Coronavirus Lockdown

What Is The 'Stay At Home Challenge'

How to prepare for self-quarantine or lock down

At least 14 days are recommended for a self-quarantine, while the duration of a lockdown depends on the decision of a local government.
Given the likelihood that more and more people around the world will be house-bound, preparing one's home for that eventuality is an increasing concern.
Among the things being stocked are:
Non-perishable foods, including shelf-stable beverages, sauces, pasta, pulses, rice, cereal, crackers, and dry goods, including tea, sugar, and coffee.
Basic medical supplies, including over-the-counter medications to alleviate possible symptoms - which, in mild cases, have a lot in common with the symptoms of the common cold. Medicines for fever, congestion, and cough are recommended. It is also important to keep a one-month supply of prescription medication on hand as well in case getting to a pharmacy for a refill becomes difficult.
Cleaning and hygiene supplies needed would include soaps for handwashing, bathing, laundry, and cleaning, as well as disinfectants to keep surfaces clean.
Also important is preparing some activities that can be undertaken within the home, whether a list of books to read or an entertainment or exercise subscription that can be used without going out.
The WHO has acknowledged the crisis is causing the public increased levels of anxiety.
In recently published guidance, it advises people who are feeling stressed to avoid reading, watching and listening to news excessively.

Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs

France's Health Minister Olivier Veran said on Twitter on Saturday for pain relief it was better to take paracetamol because over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs may worsen the coronavirus.
"The taking of anti-inflammatories [ibuprofen, cortisone] could be a factor in aggravating the infection. In case of fever, take paracetamol. If you are already taking anti-inflammatory drugs, ask your doctor's advice," said Veran.
Patients should choose paracetamol, also known known in the United States by the generic name acetaminophen and commonly by the brand name Tylenol, because "it will reduce the fever without counter-attacking the inflammation", the health ministry added.
Anti-inflammatory drugs are known to be a risk for those with infectious illnesses because they tend to diminish the response of the body's immune system.



Here are some tips for minding your mental health during the lockdown

Stay connected

Advances in mobile technology in particular mean that we can stay connected through calls, text, WhatsApp, email etc. Use this time to get in contact with people. Contribute to a sense of togetherness that is going to be pivotal in our ability to cope both now and in the weeks ahead. Try to connect with people who you haven't heard from in a while or people in your community who are likely to be isolated right now. The additional time at home can bring tension but it can also be an ideal opportunity to reconnect and strengthen relationships within the family.

Time for self-care

Remember the advice of every flight attendant in the case of an emergency landing. Passengers are advised to put on their own oxygen mask first before attempting to help others. We each have a responsibility, particularly in times like this, to practise self-care. Ultimately, we are less likely to be of use to ourselves or others if we are overstretched or our resources are depleted. This could mean preparing balanced and nourishing meals for yourself, taking time to engage in things that you enjoy or find relaxing and identifying the smells, textures, visuals, and tastes that you find soothing personally.
Self-care can also mean maintaining boundaries such as refusing visitors, reducing unnecessary demands, and saying "no". An important part of self-care is setting up the structures around yourself that will protect you from burning out. In the busy-ness of 21st century life, we can find it hard to introduce and consistently implement self-care in our everyday lives. Take the opportunity to sample some activities such as meditation, yoga, walking, baking, reading etc. Think of the small changes which you could bring with you into life post-coronavirus.

Limit social media usage

While staying digitally active, it is also important to carefully choose your news and media sources, particularly if some of the information you are receiving is leaving you feeling overwhelmed. Choosing one or two well-informed sources such as the HSE and WHO and limiting yourself to set times during the day to check for updates, can help to protect you from overwhelm and confusion. Remember that some of the information online is driven by the views, opinions and agendas of individuals, and it may not be helpful for you to take those on as your own right now

What to do if you think you caught the virus

A dedicated hotline has been set up in several countries for people who suspect they have been infected.
People in the country are asked to contact the hotline before going to a hospital, to avoid the possibility of spreading the virus in an unprepared healthcare facility or on the way there.
Individuals are required to contact specialized help as soon as they suspect they are ill, and to limit contact with others as much as possible.
To date, there is no vaccine and no medicine for COVID-19. While some traditional or home remedies can provide comfort and alleviate symptoms of the disease, there is no proof that existing medicine can prevent or cure it, according to the WHO.