Coronavirus Lockdown Tips
The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has warranted several countries to employ safety measures to prevent the spread of the novel virus. It may be soon that New York - along with other states - may follow the lead of these nations and enforce a lockdown. With the prospect of a statewide quarantine looming, MCPS has compiled a list of tips to get you and your family through it.
1. Stock up on essentials but try to avoid panic buying and hoarding items others need.
Buy gloves, hand sanitizer, bleach, masks, and other cleaning supplies.
Make sure you have vital household medications, such as prescription medications, as well as painkillers and decongestants.
Buy non-perishable foods for longevity, but also fresh fruits and vegetables for variety.
Remember: you can still eat tasty and healthy foods. You don’t have to live on canned foods and non-perishables.
Freeze foods to extend the usable life of fresh ingredients.
Exhausted nurse from North Yorkshire urges panic-buyers to think about other people after finding supermarket shelves empty: https://t.co/zTfHjKwiBp pic.twitter.com/niA6RYM197
— BBC Yorkshire (@BBCLookNorth) March 20, 2020
2. Avoid complete isolation.
Beat the blues and monotony that comes with isolation with these simple ideas in The Atlantic.
Check in with your family, friends and colleagues using FaceTime, Google Hang Outs, Zoom or other video-chatting services.
Make sure that your inner circle is safe and healthy.
3. Create a conducive designated workspace in your home.
If you’re working from home, check out tips on how to create a workspace that helps you to remain productive from Lifehacker and Mind Body Green.
If you’re not working from home, you can still use the tips to create a space for you to work on your passion projects and be consistent.
Repurposed dining table that’s a tiny bit small for my needs but it works.
— karomelline 💩🤷🏼♀️ (@karolinemys) March 14, 2020
Also my chair is uncomfortable and too high so I’m going to have to remedy that at some point 😅 pic.twitter.com/w8QXyrXj3U
4. Make use of this time with your children.
Clear out some space for exercise and games. Physical activity will not only prevent boredom, but also tire your kids out.
Devise unusual lessons on things you enjoy but aren’t taught in school, i.e. cooking or fitness.
5. Keep moving.
There are plenty of workout apps and videos on YouTube that you can follow.
If you can still go outside, go for a walk or visit a park. Solitary exercise outdoors will allow you to get some fresh air - just avoid large gatherings of people.
6. Spring clean your home.
Cleaning your home will protect against the spread of illness, while also making staying at home more bearable.
7. Netflix and Disney+, here we come!
Compile a list of shows and movies that you’ve always wanted to watch, grab your craft supplies, or pull out your old board games -- you’ll never run out of things to do.
Or, use this time to learn a new skill, like coding, or reconnect with your faith.
8. Seek professional help if needed.
Isolating yourself from others can take an immense toll on your mental health. You don’t need to go outside to get help; many therapists can offer their services over phone or video chat.