As the spread of coronavirus causes pandemic pandemonium in Australia and abroad, populations are grappling with the fear of the unknown.

Worldwide, there has been nearly 150,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, with over 200 of those in Australia.

Now, as cases continue to rise, Australians are in preparation mode. Indeed, for weeks now, that has involved stockpiling.

But what is the official advice on what we should all buy in anticipation of the outbreak of coronavirus?

Well, the Australian Government has provided no official recommendation that Australians prepare for isolation (unless you feel unwell).

Watch: Mamamia’s Claire Murphy breaks down your most answered questions about COVID-19. Post continues below.

Video by Mamamia

So, instead, we looked to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, who says people should indeed have “supplies on hand”.

The CDC says necessary personal medication should be your first priority, in case there is an outbreak in your local community that will require self-isolation. If no extra medication is available, they advise to check if you can get them mail-ordered.

On top of prescribed or personal medication, the CDC adds that over-the-counter medical supplies will also be helpful to treat the cold-like symptoms of coronavirus (in mild cases). Authorities say that the majority of infections can be recovered at home, with over 80 per cent of coronavirus cases classified as mild.

They further advise to have “enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time”.

The NSW Government is a little more detailed. While it hasn’t issued a COVID-19-specific household preparation plan, it offers the following list for what to purchase in a pandemic situation.

Ready-to-eat canned/bottled food

meat

fish

fruit juice

vegetables

soup

pasta sauce

Snack food

dried fruits

nuts

biscuits

spreads

crackers

snack bars

Dried and long-life food

ready-to-eat meals

breakfast cereal

flour/bread

milk powder/UHT milk

soup mix

dried vegetables

rice and pasta

long life cheeses

tea/coffee/drinking chocolate

sugar

Toiletries/cleaning product

toilet rolls

soap and shampoo

feminine hygiene products

rubbish bags

tissues and paper towels

house and laundry cleaning/disinfectant products.

Drinks

bottled water (3 Litres person per day)

concentrated juices/sports drinks (for dehydration due to illness)

Health supplies

first aid kit

adult and children analgesics/pain killers

face masks

protective gloves

thermometer

alcohol-based hand wash​/gels/wipes

Baby supplies

baby food/baby formula

nappies and wipes

Pet food

pet food (canned/dry)​

Other items

prescribed medications

other preferred household supplies

Of course, panic-buying is not helpful for anyone, and the overwhelming advice is to only stock up for two weeks’ worth of groceries.