Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Stocking Up for a Quarantine: Your At-Home Essentials

Ho Chi Minh City will enforce Directive 16 city-wide from 00:00 on July 9, effective for a period of 15 days. With this directive mandating social distancing across the entire city, residents are advised to only go out for essential purposes. Join us as we explore the household essentials you should prepare for this period of heightened social distancing measures.

Administrator

31 August, 2024

With the current pandemic situation in our country becoming increasingly complex, social distancing is imperative. Join us to refer to this article to prepare the necessary household items before social distancing!

Our government is urgently implementing directives and bringing many Covid-19 vaccines to Vietnam to help society return to normal as soon as possible. Therefore, every citizen needs to comply with the directives issued by the government. The awareness of each citizen is the best vaccine to help the country effectively and quickly control the epidemic.

1Ensure Adequate Food Supply

Food is a necessity that every household must prepare. As the social distancing period prolongs, limiting outdoor activities, it is advisable to visit supermarkets or grocery stores nearby to purchase canned foods with longer shelf lives. This way, you can stock up on food temporarily without having to go out frequently.

Prepare vegetables like cabbage or carrots, which can stay fresh longer than leafy greens. For meat or seafood, consider buying smaller portions or larger pieces to divide and store hygienically for each use.

Note
At the beginning of social distancing, supermarkets and grocery stores selling essential goods remain open, and supplies are sufficient. Thus, it is advisable to stock up on food moderately to avoid food waste and unnecessary expenses.

Ensure sufficient food for your family

2Prepare Medication and Health Supplements

For those with weaker immune systems or prone to minor ailments during weather changes, it is essential to have necessary medications like flu, stomachache, or fever reducers in your home pharmacy. Additionally, health supplements like vitamin C can help boost your immunity daily.

If you are undergoing treatment for a specific condition, ensure you have an adequate supply of your prescribed medication.

Prepare a sufficient supply of medications

3Sanitation and Disinfection Supplies

Even if you stay indoors, cleaning products are essential for maintaining a hygienic home. Regular disinfection helps eliminate viruses from surfaces.

Ensure you have enough cleaning tools, like brushes and mops, and don’t forget to stock up on soap and hand sanitizer.

Ensure frequent handwashing even when staying indoors

4Other Essential Items

In addition to the aforementioned universal necessities, here are some special cases to consider:

If you’re on a diet or trying to lose weight, stock up on diet-friendly foods like low-calorie options and specialized health supplements.
For women, don’t forget your cosmetics, skincare products, and feminine hygiene items.
Families with young children and elderly members should prepare baby formula, bottles, toys, and reading glasses for the elderly.

Other essential items to consider

5Prepare Mentally

In addition to material preparation, it’s crucial to maintain a positive mindset during social distancing. Stay calm and optimistic, and remember to adhere to the guidelines of limiting outdoor activities during this period.

Engaging in hobbies, reading books, or watching movies can effectively boost your morale and make the time pass more enjoyably.

Engaging in hobbies or reading books can boost your morale during social distancing

The above are essential household items to prepare before social distancing. We hope that this article has provided you with a comprehensive checklist to ensure you and your family are well-prepared. Stay safe and healthy!

Frequently asked questions

Stocking up on essentials is crucial during a quarantine as it ensures you are prepared and reduces the need to go out and potentially expose yourself or others to illness. Having a well-stocked pantry and essential items means you can follow social distancing guidelines and stay at home comfortably.

Prioritize non-perishable food items with a long shelf life. This includes canned goods like beans, tuna, and vegetables, as well as dried foods such as pasta, rice, and cereals. Don’t forget to get some healthy snacks like nuts, dried fruit, and protein bars. Also, ensure you have a good supply of drinking water.

Yes, besides food, there are several other household essentials to stock up on. This includes personal hygiene items like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and toilet paper. Also, consider having a basic first aid kit, any necessary medications, and cleaning supplies like disinfectants and surface wipes.

It’s important to stay entertained and keep your morale high during a quarantine. Stock up on books, puzzles, board games, or consider subscribing to streaming services for movies and TV shows. You can also use the time to learn a new skill or take up a hobby. Exercising at home is also a great way to stay active and release stress, so consider getting some basic workout gear or following online fitness routines.

It’s a good idea to organize your stockpile with clear labels and use older items first to prevent waste. Create a meal plan that utilizes your stored food, and be creative with recipes to use up ingredients. You can also freeze some items to extend their lifespan. Additionally, be mindful of expiration dates and properly store perishable goods.