KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Health leaders say you should prepare for the possible spread of coronavirus, but that doesn’t mean raiding the grocery store and turning your home into a bunker.
Some experts suggest buying non-perishable food now because going to a crowded grocery store may not be ideal should the virus spread locally.
So far, health department leaders in Missouri and Kansas say there are no cases of COVID-19, commonly called the novel coronavirus, in either state.
If you do feel the need to fill your cabinets, experts suggest buying items you would get when someone in your home is sick: soup, crackers and hydrating drinks, such as Gatorade and Powerade.
If you use prescription medication, Dr. Rex Archer, the director of the Kansas City, Missouri, Health Department, recommends you try to get a three-month supply of the medication.
He said many elements of medication come from China, which is seeing the biggest impacts from the novel coronavirus. If the sickness keeps employees there from working, it could affect the supply chain.
In terms of cleaning your home, consider buying disinfecting wipes. Many experts say those wipes will kill the coronavirus on a surface like the kitchen counter. They say soap and water also works.
The biggest piece of advice is to wash your hands regularly. If you use hand sanitizer, Archer says to make sure it’s made up of at least 60% alcohol.
