There are simple, practical things you can do to prepare in case you, or someone in your household becomes unwell, or if COVID-19 becomes common in our community.
Make a plan that includes
- Essential supplies on hand so you will not need to leave your home if you become ill
- Avoid panic buying. Add a few extra items every time you shop
- Remember to renew your prescription medications
- Alternative arrangements in case you become ill or if you need to care for a sick family member. For example:
- Have backup childcare in case you or your usual care provider become ill
- If you care for dependents, have a backup caregiver in place
- If you need to self-isolate away from your home have a back-up person to feed/exercise/ look after your animals
- Talk to your employer about working from home if possible
Have your contacts ready
Healthcare
- Your doctor
- Your pharmacy
- Healthline
Your support network
- Family
- Friends
- Neighbours
- School
- Work
Have household instructions ready
Make a list of household instructions of things you usually do but cannot while isolating, such as
- feeding pets
- paying bills
- watering the plants
- instructions on how to use things
Communicate
- Share your plan with your family, friends and neighbours.
- Set up a buddy system to check in on each other by phone, email or text during times of need.
Protect yourself and others against COVID-19
Shopping checklist
Food
- dried pasta and rice
- pasta sauces
- canned soups, vegetables and beans
- pet food and supplies
- food, formula and drinks for babies and small children
- dried or long life milk
- baking supplies
Hygiene
- toilet paper
- feminine hygiene products
- nappies and wipes
- facial tissue
- soap, shampoo and conditioner
- alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing at least 60% alcohol
Health care
- regular medicines
- thermometer
- fever-reducing medications (e.g. paracetomol/ibuprofen)
- throat lozengers
- medical masks
- household rubber gloves
- tissues
- heat and cool packs
Cleaning
- paper towels
- plastic bin bags
- laundry detergent
- regular household cleaning products
- hard-surface disinfectant, or if not available, concentrated (5%) liquid bleach and a separate container for dilution
Be prepared for being at home checklist
- puzzles
- books
- magazines
- cards/games
- podcasts
- soothing music
- TV/Netflix
- colouring and other activities for children
- radio
- community and daily newspapers
- batteries
- outdoor activities for in your yard
- house projects to keep adults who are well busy
- colouring and other activities for children