Hi Ladies, I come from a scientific background. Lots of people are claiming this is 'just the flu', but COVID 19 is 20-30x deadlier than seasonal flu. We're also not sure of the long term effects on the body, as this is a novel virus. I thought I'd prepare some useful information for anyone who needs it.

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  1. Wash hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds. Soap is preferable to hand sanitizer. Keep nails short and clean.
  2. If you buy/own a mask, make sure it offers FFP3 protection. Avoid touching your face.
  3. If you can, WORK FROM HOME. This will keep you and others safe. Know your rights in regards to home working, if you have a medical condition, inform your employer that working from home is imperative for your safety.
  4. Know your rights in regards to housing, whether you own or rent, keep checking your government's website for updates on this.
  5. Know your rights in regards to tax/utilities, keep checking your government's website for updates on this.
  6. Keep your home as DECLUTTERED as possible, this is the perfect time for a clearout, a neat home is much easier to disinfect.
  7. Switch all bills/bank statements to online, this will help you avoid unnecessary contact and clutter build-up.
  8. Disinfect your home frequently, particularly if you live with high-risk people. Wash bedding at least 1x per week, wipe down surfaces every night, pay SPECIAL attention to door handles, fridge doors, things that are touched often.
  9. If you get food/groceries delivered, ask that it be left outside (NO CONTACT DELIVERY).
  10. If you're high risk and need medication, get it delivered where possible.
  11. FOOD- Almost EVERYTHING can be frozen. Bread, butter, milk, eggs, you name it. Stock up on food to last 2-3 weeks. I suggest bulk prepping meals, then freezing. Raw ingredients can be frozen too, here's a guide on freezing basically everything. Remember liquids expand 9% when frozen, so leave space for that if freezing milk/soup. Store food in glass tupperwave if possible. NEVER microwave plastic tupperware.
  12. Don't forget to stock up on things like laundry detergent, bin liners, bleach, soap, pet food, etc
  13. Try and buy reusable straws, sanitary products, cooking utensils, this will help you avoid shortages more.

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PT 2: HOW YOU CAN HELP

There are plenty of ways to help, whether you need to stay home or not.

  1. If you are younger/able-bodied, volunteer with an organisation providing services to at-risk people. Age Uk, Fareshare are currently recruiting (In the UK)
  2. If you come from a medical/science background, see if there are recruitment drives in your area.
  3. Help out your local community, ask your local council, speak to local groups. There is a great Australian group for helping healthcare workers with childcare.
  4. You can also volunteer from home, helping with advising people etc.
  5. Consider fostering a pet, many shelters need URGENT help and fosters right now.

REMEMBER:

Most at-risk people are hidden because most disabilities are hidden, so it's best to be cautious around everyone. Stay safe, take care of yourselves, we can get through this!