COVID19: What are you stocking up on?

[mellowyellowgirl]

Just read that there is now a shortage of jigsaw puzzles. I guess people are looking for things to do.

Haha people are buying trampolines like crazy in Sydney!

I've never been more thankful for ours!

 

[chrono]

I bought 4 bottles of red wine and a pack of marshmallow shaped like eggs last week. Non-essential yet essential for my sanity.

 

[arkieb1]

I bought 4 bottles of red wine and a pack of marshmallow shaped like eggs last week. Non-essential yet essential for my sanity.

They are starting to ration wine in parts of Australia as well - my husband is like

I'm happy to say so far no one has rationed how much chocolate we can buy!!!

 

[missy]

Haha people are buying trampolines like crazy in Sydney!

I've never been more thankful for ours!

I’m glad you have one! And I’m equally relieved we don’t lol. With my klutziness I’d surely be in the ER with more broken bones if we had a trampoline and I was using it. And we all know that’s not the place to be right now. #iknowmylimits #klutzalltheway

 

[missy]

They are starting to ration wine in parts of Australia as well - my husband is like

I'm happy to say so far no one has rationed how much chocolate we can buy!!!

Oh I don’t like that. Please no rationing of chocolate :/

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

I’m glad you have one! And I’m equally relieved we don’t lol. With my klutziness I’d surely be in the ER with more broken bones if we had a trampoline and I was using it. And we all know that’s not the place to be right now. #iknowmylimits #klutzalltheway

It's really safe now Missy. No springs visible, thick net so that you can't fall out of it, UV protection roof.

I was expecting something with a few dingy visible springs. Didn't realise how precious kids had become and how much the design had changed since I saw one a zillion years ago.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

They are starting to ration wine in parts of Australia as well - my husband is like

I'm happy to say so far no one has rationed how much chocolate we can buy!!!

I thought I saw an article on this!!!

Aren't we producing heaps of wine that can't be sold overseas now so there should be plenty?

I have no idea because I don't drink wine but it's very popular with my online mothers group!

 

[missy]

It's really safe now Missy. No springs visible, thick net so that you can't fall out of it, UV protection roof.

I was expecting something with a few dingy visible springs. Didn't realise how precious kids had become and how much the design had changed since I saw one a zillion years ago.

Lol have you met me? If anyone can hurt herself on anything it’s me. Oy and lol. But now you’ve piqued my interest so off you check it out. I would love jumping high on a trampoline. Enjoy!

 

[arkieb1]

@mellowyellowgirl - I think people have been hoarding or panic buying booze along with everything else so they are limiting the number of bottles of wine and other things you can buy.

 

[Dee*Jay]

I went to the store right when it opened at 8 am this morning for the first time in 11 days. I made a list ahead of time -- organized roughly by the way the store is laid out -- and did a better job of stocking up this time (the last time I went was the day that shelter-in-place was announced in Illinois so I was a little scattered). There were only a few things I couldn't get and none of them are necessities. I even got a case of water (there was plenty) and a pack of toilet paper -- not because we need it but because TR finally told me last night he hates the TP we bought at Costco long before this whole thing happened. Of course now we've got a zillion rolls of it. I think I'll rotate it in with the new stuff, but it's still gonna take forever to use it up. Or maybe I'll take it to my place downtown. I don't LOVE it, but I'll use it.

The store was very empty. Maybe it was the early hour or maybe people just aren't shopping right now. My guess though is the hour through. And the people that were there did a good job of distancing.

The workers in this store area always friendly, and this morning every one of them said good morning. I said to all of them, "Thank you for being here." One lady looked like she was going to cry and said she really appreciated that.

If my planning was a good as I hope we should be set now for two weeks. Quite a departure from the once a day trip (or more!) that we used to make.

 

[GlitterInMyHair]

Went to Costco today after 2.5 weeks.

Still no TP, but otherwise everything was well stocked.

A lot of the fresh produce was marked down. I guess people are not buying as much.

I also saw a large trash pin filled with fresh-cut flowers they threw out, bouquets of roses, carnations,etc. And it made me so sad that I almost bursted into tears.

 

[missy]

Went to Costco today after 2.5 weeks.

Still no TP, but otherwise everything was well stocked.

A lot of the fresh produce was marked down. I guess people are not buying as much.

I also saw a large trash pin filled with fresh-cut flowers they threw out, bouquets of roses, carnations,etc. And it made me so sad that I almost bursted into tears.

Glad you were able to get everything you wanted but for TP. I am with you on the flowers. That would make me very sad too. As for the produce being marked down that is very interesting. May I ask what part of the country you are in?

 

[missy]

I went to the store right when it opened at 8 am this morning for the first time in 11 days. I made a list ahead of time -- organized roughly by the way the store is laid out -- and did a better job of stocking up this time (the last time I went was the day that shelter-in-place was announced in Illinois so I was a little scattered). There were only a few things I couldn't get and none of them are necessities. I even got a case of water (there was plenty) and a pack of toilet paper -- not because we need it but because TR finally told me last night he hates the TP we bought at Costco long before this whole thing happened. Of course now we've got a zillion rolls of it. I think I'll rotate it in with the new stuff, but it's still gonna take forever to use it up. Or maybe I'll take it to my place downtown. I don't LOVE it, but I'll use it.

The store was very empty. Maybe it was the early hour or maybe people just aren't shopping right now. My guess though is the hour through. And the people that were there did a good job of distancing.

The workers in this store area always friendly, and this morning every one of them said good morning. I said to all of them, "Thank you for being here." One lady looked like she was going to cry and said she really appreciated that.

If my planning was a good as I hope we should be set now for two weeks. Quite a departure from the once a day trip (or more!) that we used to make.

I so agree. I always give thank the supermarket employees and they do appreciate the recognition and thanks. Same for everyone who is out there working still putting themselves at risk. I find a simple thank you goes a long way in making things a little brighter.

 

[bling_dream19]

Glad you were able to get everything you wanted but for TP. I am with you on the flowers. That would make me very sad too. As for the produce being marked down that is very interesting. May I ask what part of the country you are in?

When we went to Trader's Joe's 2 weeks ago they were giving out free flowers and ours are still blooming. It was so so nice and has brightened our life! I wish Costco would do this.

 

[AGBF]

Just read that there is now a shortage of jigsaw puzzles. I guess people are looking for things to do.

Haha people are buying trampolines like crazy in Sydney!

And I read that the good bread machines have been selling out on-line.

 

[GlitterInMyHair]

Glad you were able to get everything you wanted but for TP. I am with you on the flowers. That would make me very sad too. As for the produce being marked down that is very interesting. May I ask what part of the country you are in?

I'm in Ohio.

From what I noticed, salad kits, brussel sprouts, strawberries, bananas were all 30% - 40% cheaper than normal.

 

[Dee*Jay]

I think I ended up with an extra gallon of milk when I went shopping today. Reading online there are people who say open the jug and take out a bit before you freeze it and others say it's better not to break the seal and there is enough room for expansion in the jug as-is. Any advice here... ?

 

[canuk-gal]

I bought 4 bottles of red wine and a pack of marshmallow shaped like eggs last week. Non-essential yet essential for my sanity.

And I thought I was the only person on PS who imbibed. (except for @Dee*Jay and @marcy ) On PS for 100 years and learn something new everyday. LOL

 

[lyra]

I think we're through the worst of the hoarding, of food anyway. Yay. I got my etsy masks today, for which I paid a ridiculous price, but whatever. They're reusable cotton. So some things are looking up.

 

[missy]

I think we're through the worst of the hoarding, of food anyway. Yay. I got my etsy masks today, for which I paid a ridiculous price, but whatever. They're reusable cotton. So some things are looking up.

Yay so glad you got your masks. And yes I am noticing the prices going up on everything but the rising cost of the ventilators from 25K to over 50K is the most upsetting but I digress. Glad you have your masks and stay safe @lyra!

 

[missy]

So I ordered 8 more chocolate bars. I guess that is stocking up but not hoarding as they were 4 bars each of two different chocolate bars so only 4 per chocolate company if that makes sense. I am definitely not wanting to hoard. LOL I never even ate chocolate before this.

Not to be a debbie downer but I have asked Greg not to have any liquor (though he hasn't had any before this and only during social occasions of which we now have zero) because it can suppress the immune system but of course everyone is different and enjoy if you are currently enjoying.

I'm in Ohio.

From what I noticed, salad kits, brussel sprouts, strawberries, bananas were all 30% - 40% cheaper than normal.

That is amazing. I have not seen that here. I eat lots of produce including brussel sprouts. I love them grilled. If you have never tried them that way maybe give it a chance especially if they are marked down so much.

 

[missy]

I think I ended up with an extra gallon of milk when I went shopping today. Reading online there are people who say open the jug and take out a bit before you freeze it and others say it's better not to break the seal and there is enough room for expansion in the jug as-is. Any advice here... ?

No advice...we don't drink milk. What did you decide to do? If I had to guess what is best it would be leave the seal unbroken. But again just a guess.

 

[missy]

COVID-19: What You Might Need If You're Quarantined at Home - Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports explains how to prepare if you're quarantined at home due to coronavirus. There's no need to hoard supplies for an extended stay at home.

www.consumerreports.org

"
But how exactly should you prepare for the possibility of a home quarantine? News reports show some Americans hoarding all manner of supplies, including mostly unnecessary ones like masks and bottled water.
“This isn’t the apocalypse,” says Jason Kindrachuk, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the department of medical microbiology at the University of Manitoba and an emerging virus specialist. “We need to be rational in our decisions, understanding that, for example, we need enough supplies to carry us through without making unnecessary trips to the store, but not so much that we’re potentially affecting other people’s ability to prepare as well.”
In that spirit, we set out to compile a list of what you may need—and what you don’t.

What You Need: The Basics

Before going shopping, you need an action plan. Start by talking through what everyone in your household—especially those at high risk because of medical conditions or age—will do and need in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak in your community.
Put together an emergency contact list and learn about emergency procedures at your schools, childcare facilities, and places of work. And choose a room in your home where, if necessary, you’d be able to isolate a sick household member.

Next, make sure you have adequate supplies of certain items. What’s adequate? “My colleagues and I are recommending two weeks' worth of supplies like food and household goods,” says Kindrachuk.
Hand cleanser: Experts, including those at the CDC, say handwashing is our primary line of defense—so it’s worth making sure you have plenty of soap.
Each member of your household should be washing his or her hands many times a day, so expect to go through a lot. “Soap and water are the gold standard,” says Kindrachuk. Any liquid or bar soap is appropriate. Antibacterial soaps aren't necessary, because they don't kill viruses.
Though he says soap and water is the best approach, Kindrachuk acknowledges the importance of hand sanitizer. “It’s a quick fix,” he says. “You can’t always wash your hands every time you touch something.” Make sure it consists of at least 60 percent alcohol.


Cleaning products: Get in the habit of routinely cleaning any household surfaces that you frequently come into contact with. The CDC’s list includes countertops, faucets, door knobs, drawer pulls, light switches, computer keyboards, tablets, remote controls, toilets, telephones, and the handles of implements like brooms, mops, and pots and pans. Daniel Barnett, M.D., M.P.H., an associate professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, suggests maintaining a list of these areas and a cleaning schedule so you don’t forget.
The coronavirus is effectively destroyed by almost any household cleaner or simple soap and water, Kindrachuk says. But if you want to be extra careful, he suggests using a homemade solution of nine parts water to one part bleach, or buying one of the disinfectant products on this list referenced by the CDC.
Don’t forget that you’ll also need plenty of paper goods: paper towels, tissues, and toilet paper, at a minimum. Consider picking up extra garbage bags, too, so you can safely toss contaminated tissues and paper towels.


Food: Barnett recommends buying a couple of weeks' worth of long-lasting staples like rice, beans, pasta, canned vegetables, and shelf-stable milk—again, not because such things are likely to become widely unavailable but to minimize the need to make extra trips to the market. Also consider stocking up on (or making a big vat of) chicken broth; there’s actually some scientific evidence backing up its reputation for relieving coughs. And make sure you have enough food for your pets, too.
Over-the-counter medicine: As with the seasonal flu, chief symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, body aches, and coughing, Barnett says. OTC meds like acetaminophen (Tylenol and generic) and ibuprofen (Advil and generic) can help treat fevers and aches.
Prescription drugs: During an early March conference call, Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H., a former head of the CDC, recommended that people try to secure a three-month supply of important medications. Many “pharmaceutical ingredients come from China,” he said. “We don’t know how disrupted that supply chain will be.” Ask your doctor for a 90-day prescription and consider getting it delivered through the mail, which can save money and eliminate regular trips to the drugstore—where you might encounter people who are sick. Before you stock up, be sure to also ask your insurer if your plan offers coverage for an “extended-day supply.”
Thermometer: If you already have one at home, there's no need to buy a new one, Barnett says. But if you don’t, consider getting one. It's a critical tool for monitoring potential illness.


Laundry detergent: This is a household basic, but it's also especially important if you’re averse to single-use paper and plastic goods and plan to use additional towels and linens to maintain sanitary conditions. Any brand will do, Kindrachuk says.


What You Might Want: The Extras
Robust WiFi: As the coronavirus outbreak spreads in the U.S., a growing number of people who can work from home will probably do so. Others will use the at-home time to catch up on binge-worthy TV. The result in many households could easily be a WiFi logjam if you don’t have a robust system in place. Consider taking steps to boost your signal or upgrading to a mesh router system, which will help spread the signal throughout even a sizable home.

Video conferencing services: If you're considering working from home, the transition may be smoother and more productive if you can communicate face-to-face, especially if your workplace isn't already set up for people to easily work from home. Talk to your manager about getting set up.
Entertainment: If you aren’t already a subscriber to a streaming video service, now may be a good time to explore. CR has also reported on the wide variety of options that let you stream videos for free.
Another source of free entertainment is your local library. Long before she was quarantined in Kunming, China, in January, Emily He had signed up to access free e-books from her local public library back in the U.S. She spent some of her quarantine time plowing through a half-dozen titles.
You can also consider finding or purchasing some low-tech entertainment options—for both adults and kids—such as board games, books, and cards.
Exercise guides or equipment: In quarantine, maintaining an exercise routine can be vital to both mental and physical health.
“Staying active has been enormously helpful so I don't feel like my muscles are deteriorating and I don't feel like a sloth,” says He, who has been using a fitness app to guide her workouts.
People in coronavirus lockdown in some areas of China and Italy have been allowed to go outside their homes (but discouraged from congregating), while others have not. So having a strategy for indoor exercise is a smart idea.
A cardio-focused machine, like a treadmill or elliptical, would be an ideal component of such a routine, but it isn’t necessary. (Here's a home workout you can do in front of the TV, for example.)
Strength training helps preserve muscle mass and maintain metabolism, and can be done effectively using little more than your own bodyweight or small hand weights.

What you don't need:

Bottled water Because natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes often disrupt or contaminate municipal water supplies, water is often the first thing that people stock up on when a potential crisis looms. But there’s no reason to doubt the integrity of your water supply in the current context, says Barnett.

They also wrote you don't need face masks but I disagree with that but for the integrity of the article I am sharing it here. Just wanted to say I disagree strongly with this. As long as one isn't taking an N95 mask away from the front line people a good cotton tightly woven mask is better than no mask. IMO.

Face masks: Although images of people wearing disposable face masks have become ubiquitous, the CDC is unequivocal in saying that it “does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.” The only people who need them are those who are sick or caring for others who are sick. (For more on why masks aren't necessary or effective when worn by the general public, see our previous article.)"

IOW this isn't the Apocalypse though it might feel like it at times. Keep calm, carry on, stay home as often as you can, 6 foot plus distancing when out and please don't hoard. Think of others. Behave compassionately.

 

[GlitterInMyHair]

@missy

I really believe the CDC is not recommending masks for the public purely because of the shortage N95 masks.

I can understand their reasons, but I also think they are doing a real disservice to the public by not all least recommending non-N95 masks that can reduce the spread the virus from asymtomatic but contagious individuals.

It's as much about protecting the public from individuals, as protecting individuals from the public.

 

[missy]

@missy

I really believe the CDC is not recommending masks for the public purely because of the shortage N95 masks.

I can understand their reasons, but I also think they are doing a real disservice to the public by not all least recommending homemade cotton masks.

I just heard the NYC health commissioner state they are re-evaluating recommendation of face masks for all. Hallelujah but sadly (probably) too late for NYC.

Stay safe and well.

 

[Babyblue033]

@missy

I really believe the CDC is not recommending masks for the public purely because of the shortage N95 masks.

I can understand their reasons, but I also think they are doing a real disservice to the public by not all least recommending homemade cotton masks.

Agreed. While masks might not protect the wearer from the virus, it prevents a sick person from passing it on. Common sense dictates that if EVERYONE was wearing mask, it will reduce the transmission rate since sick people with no symptoms will not be spreading it everywhere.

But of course no one can even get masks in the US so it's a moot point. In South Korea, government gives out a weekly supply of masks to everyone, which I feel is one of the reasons why they have a better handle on this than US.

I just heard the NYC health commissioner state they are re-evaluating recommendation of face masks for all. Hallelujah but sadly (probably) too late for NYC.

Stay safe and well.

That's a good news but most people can't even get them anywhere. I guess making your own is an option. I did find some masks at the Korean groceries when we went out on Sat, so we bought 2. Just for the people who will have to go out every few weeks to get supplies.

 

[Grymera]

Thanks for the info @missy - I've seen a number of articles in the NYT about how face mask recommendations may be changing. I bought some off etsy, hope they arrive soon.

 

[missy]

Thanks for the info @missy - I've seen a number of articles in the NYT about how face mask recommendations may be changing. I bought some off etsy, hope they arrive soon.

In the face mask thread there are some good links on how to make your own.
Hope your masks arrive soon.

Agreed. While masks might not protect the wearer from the virus, it prevents a sick person from passing it on. Common sense dictates that if EVERYONE was wearing mask, it will reduce the transmission rate since sick people with no symptoms will not be spreading it everywhere.

But of course no one can even get masks in the US so it's a moot point. In South Korea, government gives out a weekly supply of masks to everyone, which I feel is one of the reasons why they have a better handle on this than US.


That's a good news but most people can't even get them anywhere. I guess making your own is an option. I did find some masks at the Korean groceries when we went out on Sat, so we bought 2. Just for the people who will have to go out every few weeks to get supplies.

Agreed. It helps protect others. Helps decrease the spread. Glad you were able to get some masks.

 

[Babyblue033]

I saw this on IG which I thought was worth sharing.

 

[missy]

Went to Costco today after 2.5 weeks.

Still no TP, but otherwise everything was well stocked.

A lot of the fresh produce was marked down. I guess people are not buying as much.

I also saw a large trash pin filled with fresh-cut flowers they threw out, bouquets of roses, carnations,etc. And it made me so sad that I almost bursted into tears.

Just got back from Costco. And same here re produce. Marked down so much. The salad is expiring in 2 days so maybe that’s why? But apples and other miscellaneous produce was also marked down. The salad was marked down from $5.99 to 1.97

I don’t know what that means but my gut says they are discontinuing certain products.