Coronavirus has spread in more than 192 countries and most of the infected countries have ordered lockdown to minimize the COVID19. People are advised to self-isolate or quarantine in case there is an outbreak in their community. COVID19 is quite a dangerous disease but people don’t need to panic because it has about 97% chances to recover for the infected one.

Precautions are necessary and you must make some preparation before self-isolation. First of all, the most important things are hygiene products like sanitisers and other cleaning supplies and then come to the food and medicines part. But, keep in mind that preparing for self-isolation doesn’t mean stockpiling or hoarding – that can result in a shortage and may have a bad impact on the country.

In the period of chaos, it’s hard to concentrate on what you must or must not buy, so we have made up a list that would help you what to buy before you are stuck at home due to coronavirus.

See what you already have at home

It’s important to look at what items you have already got at home, so you don’t overbuy. You don’t need to panic and stock all the frozen foods and drinks but only purchase food that is enough for two weeks and the same goes for cleaning products in the UK.

Add long-lasting foods to your stockpile

If you have already got fresh foods at your home, try to use it first and avoid purchasing further fresh food. Look for canned, boxed and frozen food supplies at the market. Below is some grocery to make a starting point for your shopping list, but remember to buy only those foods that you normally eat and once again, avoid stockpiling. Try to pick the items that you enjoy and if you have a baby at home, you must add all the essentials they need to your shopping list.

Vegetables:

Canned vegetables (i.e., green beans, carrots, peas, diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree), low-sodium if possible

Canned vegetable-based soups and chilis, low-sodium if possible

Frozen vegetables (i.e, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus)

Jarred tomato sauce

Jarred salsa

Long-lasting fresh vegetables (i.e., potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash such as spaghetti or butternut, carrots, parsnips, onions, garlic, whole mushrooms)

Grains:

Whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta

Brown rice

Ancient grains (i.e., quinoa, farro)

Oats

Instant oatmeal packets/cups

Popcorn

Whole wheat or seed crackers

Whole wheat or sprouted bread (can keep in freezer and toast when ready to eat)

Fruits:

Applesauce and other fruit purees

Canned fruit in water

Frozen fruit

Dried fruit

Long-lasting fresh fruit (i.e., apples, oranges, pomegranates, lemons, limes)

Dairy:

Shelf-stable boxes of milk (shelf-stable varieties are available for regular and non-dairy milk)

Powdered milk

Hard cheeses, such as parmesan or pecorino, last the longest

Beverages:

Water (if you’re unable to or prefer not to drink tap)

Low-sugar electrolyte drinks

Pre-made protein-shakes or meal-replacement shakes (in case you get sick and lose your appetite)

Canned or boxed low-sodium broth

Necessary Cleaning Products to be safe from Coronavirus Outbreak:

First of all, add basic toiletries to your shopping lists like hand-wash, shampoo, floss, face-wash, conditioners, razors, toothpaste, shaving cream and hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol. Extra detergent, floor cleaner (household bleach solution) and especially soaps are very important to have at home during the quarantine.

Check medicines at the cabinet:

People who are already on the prescribed medicines must purchase one or two-month medicines before self-isolation due to coronavirus. The Red Cross Society recommends having at least 30 days of prescribed medications for those in your home. They also advise at least a one month’s supply of over-the-counter medicines such as pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, and throat lozenges. We also recommend adding multivitamins to your shopping list so that you can get the necessary vitamins and minerals if your food choices are limited.