This weekend I kept seeing videos popping up in my social media feeds of people panic buying because of Coronavirus (COVID-19). People were literally in lines that stretched around the outsides of stores. Shelves were being wiped completely empty of water, cleaning supplies and canned foods. I had to wonder if the workers at Walmart thought I was doing the same with my purchases this weekend.
The truth is, I wasn’t panic buying because of Coronavirus. These are just everyday supplies I use in my classroom at school to try my best to help keep my students and me as healthy as possible all during the school year. I regularly wipe tables, doorknobs, and computers with Clorox Wipes. I spray Lysol in between class changes. I keep hand sanitizer handy for when students make bathroom trips. I know people fuss about using hand sanitizer, but soap isn’t always readily available in the restrooms. This is mainly because instead of students using it responsibly, they make huge messes with it. I just do the best I can with what I have. I’d rather them have hand sanitizer than nothing at all.
I’ve loosely paid attention to all of the news about this virus, and my own personal philosophy about it is that I just want to be prepared, not scared. I regularly try to keep a little extra of the things we use on hand anyway just in case I’m sick and can’t get to the store.
It can be hard to know who to trust when you try to get information about COVID-19. I just try to keep a level head and not be swayed by people writing articles trying to sell you supplies you might not necessarily need or those screaming doom and gloom. The truth is, it’s good to be prepared at ALL times, and not just pandemics. Losing a job if you live paycheck to paycheck can be devastating, but having some extra food and supplies on-hand to get you through a tight financial spot could help tremendously.
I’m personally just concerned with getting well and staying healthy at this point. I’ve had a bought with pneumonia and the flu in a matter of weeks. I’m still not 100%. I’ve ordered some elderberry gummies to add to my daily medicines to see if it will help. I’m also a little concerned about how this might affect my job if it reaches to where I live and schools are closed for a week or so. But, I am not panicking. I’m just washing my hands as much as I can and trying to keep our home and my classroom as clean and disinfected as possible. I know it’s wise to stay away from crowds as well, but because I work in a school, I don’t have that luxury at the moment. I’m just doing what I can and praying that we all stay safe.
If you do want more information on how you can be better prepared, I suggest the following blogs and articles I’ve recently read that didn’t leave me feeling like all was hopeless concerning COVID-19.
G. Donna’s Generations Before Us
How to Prepare for Quarentine- The Organic Prepper
Are you doing anything differently to prepare for a possible quarantine due to COVID-19?
I am just hearing all these products out of stock in the US. It is not as bad yet in Canada.
Glad to hear things aren’t crazy there! Stay well!
Hi Mandy! Thanks for stopping at my blog.
I think you are taking the just right approach! I’m a nurse and my job is infection control, so I’m getting lots of info on this virus. We’ve been told what you said – don’t panic, wash your hands! And it’s good to be prepared at any time.
I love what you do in school too. I would say you make a difference in how many germs are spread there!
Thank you, Mari! I’m so glad you stopped in!
I always have some extra put away so that I never run too low on things. We did go out and get some toilet paper and paper towels on Saturday. I have disinfected my student desks at school but I will admit I don’t do it every day, but I may start. My husband also got the flu and that resulted in pneumonia. He is getting better but I have told him to be very careful and wash his hands frequently. I wish the school district we both teach in was doing more to prepare. Hope we all stay well.
I hope we all do, too. Every little bit helps! Hope your husband is starting to feel better. I hope YOU are feeling a little better today as well. Hopefully no surgery for the hand! Take care!
Not going to lie, it’s a bit scary and while I haven’t bought anything specific, I did put a few things aside, in case. And I keep texting the family wash your hands all day long. Stay well…
I keep reminding my son to wash hands as well. I know I can only do so much. Hope you and your family stay well!