Coronavirus: What to stock up on in the case of self-quarantine

"[A mask] doesn't so much protect you from getting the virus. It's really to protect others when you are ill," says Dr. Rosenthal.

News 12 Staff

Mar 3, 2020, 5:20 PM

Updated 1,740 days ago

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With confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people should prepare themselves if there comes a time they need to self-quarantine.
Dr. Barry Rosenthal, chairman of the emergency department at NYU Winthrop Hospital, says those families should have canned goods, hand sanitizer, diapers, over-the-counter medicine and refilled prescriptions ready for a long stay at home.
He also says stocking up on household staples like laundry detergent, paper towels and bottled water are also important.
Dr. Rosenthal says it's not necessary for people to panic or wear a face mask every day, but there are some steps one can take to reduce risk, such as cleaning surfaces.
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The CDC also recommends having an emergency family plan, and make sure each family member is up to date on it.
Robert Feiler, the vice president of Costello's ACE Hardware in North Massapequa, says they can't keep disinfectant wipes on the shelves.
"Any kind of disinfectant for the home or for personal use. Purell has flown off the shelf," he says.
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For those that do have to stay inside, the CDC has a checklist on its site for children and families.
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