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
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.
Rice (Rice is one of the most versatile foods, and stored properly has a long shelf life)
Spaghetti
Oil
Salt
Sugar (Or honey)
Milk (Preferably the powdered one)
Canned food - Corned beef / Sardine / Baked beans
Ketchup / Mayonnaise / Barbecue Sauce / Mustard
Shito (Black pepper)
Tea bags (Can I suggest chamomile for these stressful times)
Milo / Any chocolate drink
Eggs
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.
Sausages
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)
Biscuits and Chips (Boredom makes people snack a lot. Get healthy options if possible)
Frozen meat - Chicken / Fish / Beef / Gizzard / Snails / Shrimp
A box of noodles
Vegetables - Onions / Tomatoes / Pepper / Green Pepper(the big ones) / Carrots / Cabbage / Peas / Lettuce / Okro
Tomato Paste
Food seasoning - Maggi or other brand cubes, Adobo, Black pepper
Bread. If you keep it in the freezer it can last up to 3-6 months, but it will most likely lose its flavour.
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.
Tasty Tom Jollof Mix (For those who would really rather not cook but have to. A simplified method to make jollof)
Yoghurt (pro-biotic. You need to stay as healthy as possible)
Cornflakes. Tom Brown and Oats.
Juice (Fresh juice is honestly healthier but for situations where we’re looking for longer shelf life, “processed” juice is way better)
Butter / Cheese / Chocolate Spread
Pancake flour
Cassava and Corn dough (for the banku lovers)
Kenkey (From my experience, fante kenkey lasts a longer time than ga kenkey)
Plantain (Get them unripe)
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)
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
Bathing Soap
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes (Buy extras for if one falls etc)
Mouthwash
(If you use them) Extra Sponges
Deodorant
Shaving sticks / Shaving Cream
Washing soap
Sanitary Pads/Towel
Flashlights/Lamps
Body Cream/ Lotion / Body oil - whichever one you use
Powder
A Powerbank
Flu Medication
Vitamin C
Toilet Paper
Matches/Lighter fluid
Dettol
Antihistamines (the last thing you want to do is run out of your allergy medication)
Eye drops/ointment
Rubbing Alcohol
First Aid Kit - Gauze / Adhesive Bandage(Plaster) / Cotton / Gentian Violet
For those who are asthmatic, please stock up on your refills
Condoms (If you’re married/quarantined with a partner)
Birth control pills(If you’re on them. Get 3 months worth)
Extra phone chargers.
Batteries - All sizes
Extra light bulbs
To Do
If you use them, fill your gas cylinders
Fill your car tanks
Service your ACs.
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.