The article has been automatically translated into English by Google Translate from Russian and has not been edited.

Quarantined world: what stocks are advised to do in the USA, Russia and European countries

'24.03.2020'

Source: RBC Style

News of the spread of coronavirus forces many to purchase goods spontaneously. Nevertheless, the specialized organizations of different countries give citizens quite definite recommendations on what is really necessary and what can be abandoned, writes "RBK Style".

Photo: Shutterstock

The coronavirus pandemic makes it necessary to close not only the borders of states, but also the homes of citizens who are sent for quarantine and self-isolation. To spend time comfortably locked up, many people buy everything they need for this time. However, what exactly is considered necessary is a complex issue. Universal lists are not easy to compile due to differences in needs and living conditions. But in many countries, they responsibly approached the issue of procurement and optimization of expenses for them and developed lists of the most necessary. General tips will help you evaluate quarantine readiness.

USA

In America, it is advised to purchase products for a minimum of 14 days at the time of quarantine. A two-week supply of food should be designed for all family members and pets. But even if the declared pandemic may seem intimidating, accumulating surplus is not the best strategy, USA Today warns. Panic buying of food, disinfectants, and toilet paper can cause people around you to not have what it takes to protect themselves from viruses. And this, in turn, increases the likelihood of their further spread.

Here are the recommendations of the publication, how to prepare for quarantine. Essential stocks should include products, personal care products, and cleaning products from the regular shopping list. After verifying that everything you need is at least two weeks old, it is advised in the United States to buy non-perishable products for each family member. Namely:

  • Canned food: soups, stews, canned fish, fruits and vegetables (e.g. canned tuna, chicken soup, green beans).
  • Seasonings and sauces. Ketchup, peanut butter and spaghetti sauce have a long shelf life, including after opening, and will help diversify your food.
  • Groceries: pasta, beans, cereals, rice and instant mashed potatoes - sources of carbohydrates, proteins and fiber, which are stored for a long time. And also breakfast: cereal or regular oatmeal.
  • Drinks: coffee, tea, juices and others.
  • Milk - condensed or dried, as well as its alternatives: coconut, soy, rice, almond. In the case of vegetable milk, you need to pay attention to expiration dates.
  • Snacks: potato chips, protein bars, sweets, dried fruits and nuts to help pass the time while playing, reading or watching your favorite series.
  • Freezing: frozen juices, meat, fruits and vegetables (e.g. strawberries or peas). Ready-made frozen dishes - in case of illness, you will not need to stand at the stove: it is enough to defrost pizza, soup or meatballs. Ice cream will perfectly support quarantine morale.

Edition nbcnewyork.com published a more detailed shopping list, supplementing it with fresh vegetables, fruits, vitamins and products for children.

On the subject: Coronavirus quarantine: what is really worth having at home, except for toilet paper

Sweden

The Swedish government sent a detailed description of what should be in the house in case of quarantine and other unforeseen circumstances.

The list for the stock of products from the Swedes is as follows:

  • potatoes, cabbage, carrots, eggs;
  • shelf-stable bread, such as tortilla, bread rolls, cookies, and crackers;
  • cream cheese, butter and sandwiches in tubes;
  • oat, soy milk, milk powder;
  • edible oil, hard cheese;
  • instant pasta, rice, groats, mashed potato powder;
  • boiled lentils, beans, vegetables, hummus in a jar;
  • tomato paste, for example, to boil pasta in it;
  • canned meat with minced meat, mackerel, sardines, ravioli, salmon meatballs, boiled meat, soups;
  • fruit puree, jam, confiture;
  • ready-made jelly from blueberries and rose hips, juice or another drink that does not deteriorate at room temperature;
  • coffee, tea, chocolate, energy bars, honey, almonds, nuts, peanut butter, seeds.

In addition, the Swedes are advised to replenish drinking water at a rate of 3 liters per person per day, as well as purchase paraffin and heating candles, matches or lighters, an alcohol burner, a flashlight and batteries.

Germany

In late February, the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief published a list of products and things that you need to have at home in case of ten-day quarantine.

The list was compiled by the federal department for the protection of civilians and disaster relief. The list includes the following items (per person):

  • 20 liters of drinking water;
  • 3,5 kg of cereals, bread, potatoes, pasta and rice (total);
  • 2,5 kg of canned vegetables and nuts;
  • 4 kg of dried fruits and canned fruits;
  • 2,6 kg of milk and dairy products;
  • 1,5 kg of meat, fish, eggs or egg powder;
  • 0,4 kg of fat and vegetable oil;
  • finished products: sugar, honey, flour, bouillon cubes, cookies, chocolate - in an acceptable amount.

According to experts of the department, such a volume of products can provide nutritional value of 2200 kcal per day for an adult for ten days. In addition to food, the Germans must have at home a supply of medicines, disinfectants, toothbrushes and toothpaste, toilet paper. And also to buy candles, batteries, a gas burner and a lantern, garbage bags and household gloves.

Russia

When compiling a list of goods during quarantine, experts from Roskontrol call to focus on the expiration dates of the products. Among the most popular “centenarians” of Russian pantries are cereals, canned goods (meat, fish, vegetables), pasta, tea, coffee, potatoes, salt and sugar. The President of the Russian Federation advised against buying products for the future, so as not to throw away surpluses. Therefore, in order to avoid unnecessary expenses, it is worthwhile to carefully monitor the terms of perishable products (milk, meat, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables) and store reasonable amounts that meet the needs of your family.

Emergencies Ministry experts offer to supplement the range of products with dried fruits (dried bananas, figs, dried apricots), nuts, nut-fruit mixes and chocolate. In addition, for children up to a year should buy baby food, milk powder and mixtures. And in the home medicine cabinet, in addition to the necessary medicines, put multivitamins on each family member.

On the subject: How to replace ingredients in recipes if you run out of supplies due to quarantine

What else to stock

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges you to wash your hands as often as possible: at least 20 seconds with hot water and soap. And during the quarantine period, make sure that you have enough personal hygiene products. Moreover, experts believe that in conditions of home self-isolation, a large amount of hand sanitizer is not required: you can use soap, which, according to the CDC, is more effective than a special antiseptic. Hand sanitizer may only be needed in situations where soap and water are unavailable, for example after traveling by public transport.

If you think that an antiseptic is mandatory at home, but it has long disappeared in stores, you can cook it yourself by mixing two-thirds of 99% alcohol and one-third of aloe vera gel (purchased or from a home plant). Paper towels in case of a common cold, as well as a small supply of toilet paper, will not be out of place. And it's better not to give in to the desire to buy more than you need: just make sure that the house has enough rolls for your family. In addition, check if there are enough disposable razors, shaving cream, shampoo and toothpaste, and personal hygiene products.

Scientists from the National Institute of Health at Princeton University and the University of California at Los Angeles suggest that COVID-19 can survive on some surfaces for two or three days. Therefore, regular cleaning and disinfection of housing during and after quarantine would be a good idea. Consumables approved by the Environmental Protection Agency as “suitable for use against COVID-19” can be added to the shopping list. These are antibacterial wipes, a disinfectant spray for cleaning various surfaces (can be used for clothes, sheets and furniture), a disinfectant cleaner for floors, walls, bathtubs, household chlorine bleach, paper towels, disposable gloves.

Check your home medicine cabinet to help avoid stress in the event of minor injuries. You can buy a ready-made, already assembled first-aid kit with essentials. Home arsenal should be supplemented with prescription drugs. If your family members use such medicines, buy a stock for at least 30 days to prepare for quarantine and the period after it, if buying prescription drugs is difficult. According to the CDC, high fever is one of the main symptoms of coronavirus infection. Make sure you have enough temperature-lowering drugs on hand (doctors recommend using paracetamol-based drugs), as well as dry cough medicines, which is one of the symptoms of a new infection. According to the French Minister of Health, anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and cortisone can aggravate the coronavirus and should be avoided now.

CDC believes that moisturizers can help relieve symptoms of coronavirus, such as sore throat and cough. There are tank models on sale that can be used as inhalers with essential oils or medicinal herbs.

Instead of buying bottled water, experts advise getting a jug with a filter, this will be a great alternative and a way to make sure that there is always clean drinking water in the house.

What you do not need to buy

An outbreak of coronavirus will not affect water supply, electricity and other communications, USA Today believes. Water from the taps will continue to flow, electricity will remain on, and we will be able to cook in our kitchen, as usual. Therefore, save your money and do not buy unnecessary. For example, there is no need to buy large quantities of bottled drinking water if you do not drink it regularly at home. Do not spend money on stocks of perishable food. In addition to social distancing, life should continue in the usual way. Remember the basic safety measures and follow the advice of the Red Cross and WHO to protect yourself and your loved ones.

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