Plan ahead
There are simple, practical things you can do to prepare in case you or someone in your household becomes ill or if COVID-19 becomes common in your community.
Make a plan that includes:
- Essential supplies (a few weeks’ worth) on hand so you will not need to leave your home if you become ill.
- Avoid panic buying. Add a few extra items to your cart every time you shop. This places less of a burden on suppliers, and can help ease financial burden on you as well.
- Renew and refill your prescription medications.
- Alternative arrangements in case you become ill or if you need to care for a sick family member. For example:
- Have backup childcare in case you or your usual care provider become ill.
- If you care for dependents, have a backup caregiver in place.
- Talk to your employer about working from home if possible.
- Reducing your exposure to crowded places if COVID-19 becomes common in your community. For example:
- Shop and use public transit during off-peak hours
- Exercise outdoors instead of in an indoor fitness club
Shopping list
Food
- dried pasta and rice
- pasta sauces
- canned soups, vegetables and beans
- pet food
Hygiene
- toilet paper
- feminine hygiene products
- diapers
- facial tissue
- soap
- alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Health care
- thermometer
- fever-reducing medications (acetaminophen or ibuprofen for adults and children)
Cleaning
- paper towels
- plastic garbage bags
- dish soap
- laundry detergent
- household bleach
- household cleaning products
Communicate
- Share your plan with your family, friends and neighbours.
- Set up a buddy system to check in on each other by phone, email or text during times of need.
Stay informed
- Learn about the symptoms of COVID-19, how it spreads and how to prevent illness.
- Get your information from reliable sources such as the Public Health Agency of Canada, and provincial, territorial and municipal public health authorities.
- If the news media is making you feel anxious, take a break from it.
For more information on coronavirus:
1-833-784-4397 | canada.ca/coronavirus | phac.info.aspc@canada.ca
