A Stay-At-Home Checklist

These are some scary times right? At the moment, we have 11 confirmed cases, which is 7 more than the 2 we had exactly a week ago. It’s hard not to panic because we’re literally all unsure of the facts and just trying to avoid getting sick.

At a time like this, the most dangerous thing to do is spread false information, so everything you need to know about the virus, read it here: WHO - Coronavirus 2019.

Please don’t get any remedies/cures/vaccines from any whatsapp chain messages.

To keep up with Ghana’s progress, visit this page: Ghanahealthservice - covid19

All around the world people are panicking and stocking up, in preparation for long isolation periods which no one is sure will end. Shops are running out of groceries/essentials, hand sanitiser is scarce and restaurants have shut down. With any luck Ghana won’t get to that stage - we still have functioning restaurants who have stepped up and switched to mainly delivery, Jumia still delivers groceries and food, shops still have a lot of things in stock. Most Ghanaians are taking the necessary steps to protect themselves and its great because at a time like this, we really are only as strong as our weakest link.

A little preparation goes a long way, so it wont hurt to stock up now. For those who need it, this is a short list of the basics and a few extras you should get (Some of you might discover your hidden culinary talents at this time)


Groceries

  1. Water. All bottle sizes and bags of sachet water. I know “pure water” is generally considered “poor” but its great for emergencies - easy to store, plus you get a lot for a little.

  2. Rice (Rice is one of the most versatile foods, and stored properly has a long shelf life)

  3. Spaghetti

  4. Oil

  5. Salt

  6. Sugar (Or honey)

  7. Milk (Preferably the powdered one)

  8. Canned food - Corned beef / Sardine / Baked beans

  9. Ketchup / Mayonnaise / Barbecue Sauce / Mustard

  10. Shito (Black pepper)

  11. Tea bags (Can I suggest chamomile for these stressful times)

  12. Milo / Any chocolate drink

  13. Eggs

  14. Fruits. I’m a little worried about this because some really dont last at all. You probably shouldn’t buy in bulk. Get lemons though. If you store them properly (plastic bag in your fridge), they can last 2-3 weeks.

  15. Sausages

  16. Gari (I for one am not a fan of gari but don’t look down on it. It saves a lot of lives in boarding school)

  17. Biscuits and Chips (Boredom makes people snack a lot. Get healthy options if possible)

  18. Frozen meat - Chicken / Fish / Beef / Gizzard / Snails / Shrimp

  19. A box of noodles

  20. Vegetables - Onions / Tomatoes / Pepper / Green Pepper(the big ones) / Carrots / Cabbage / Peas / Lettuce / Okro

  21. Tomato Paste

  22. Food seasoning - Maggi or other brand cubes, Adobo, Black pepper

  23. Bread. If you keep it in the freezer it can last up to 3-6 months, but it will most likely lose its flavour.

  24. Chocolate and Ice-Cream. It may seem unnecessary but you’ll need a pick-me-up/comfort food once in a while. Superyogo is a healthier alternative.

  25. Tasty Tom Jollof Mix (For those who would really rather not cook but have to. A simplified method to make jollof)

  26. Yoghurt (pro-biotic. You need to stay as healthy as possible)

  27. Cornflakes. Tom Brown and Oats.

  28. Juice (Fresh juice is honestly healthier but for situations where we’re looking for longer shelf life, “processed” juice is way better)

  29. Butter / Cheese / Chocolate Spread

  30. Pancake flour

  31. Cassava and Corn dough (for the banku lovers)

  32. Kenkey (From my experience, fante kenkey lasts a longer time than ga kenkey)

  33. Plantain (Get them unripe)

  34. Potatoes (They last about 1-2 weeks at normal room temperature and 2-3 months in a dark,warmer-than-refrigerator-but-colder-than-normal-room-temperature place)

  35. Yam - They last about a week at normal room temperature and 1 month in in a dark,warmer-than-refrigerator-but-colder-than-normal-room-temperature place)

*If you have pets, please don’t leave them out. Stock up on their food as well.


Essentials

  1. Bathing Soap

  2. Toothpaste

  3. Toothbrushes (Buy extras for if one falls etc)

  4. Mouthwash

  5. (If you use them) Extra Sponges

  6. Deodorant

  7. Shaving sticks / Shaving Cream

  8. Washing soap

  9. Sanitary Pads/Towel

  10. Flashlights/Lamps

  11. Body Cream/ Lotion / Body oil - whichever one you use

  12. Powder

  13. A Powerbank

  14. Flu Medication

  15. Vitamin C

  16. Toilet Paper

  17. Matches/Lighter fluid

  18. Dettol

  19. Antihistamines (the last thing you want to do is run out of your allergy medication)

  20. Eye drops/ointment

  21. Rubbing Alcohol

  22. First Aid Kit - Gauze / Adhesive Bandage(Plaster) / Cotton / Gentian Violet

  23. For those who are asthmatic, please stock up on your refills

  24. Condoms (If you’re married/quarantined with a partner)

  25. Birth control pills(If you’re on them. Get 3 months worth)

  26. Extra phone chargers.

  27. Batteries - All sizes

  28. Extra light bulbs


To Do

  1. If you use them, fill your gas cylinders

  2. Fill your car tanks

  3. Service your ACs.

  4. Get fuel for your generator.


Stay indoors as much as possible and remember to wash your hands and use your hand sanitiser regularly. Avoid touching your face (I know its hard) too. Stay safe guys!

*Please dont buy unnecessary quantities - buy only as much as you need. Dont hoard things to sell at higher prices, thats unethical and wrong.

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