Don’t panic or hoard food and sanitiser – just make a plan

In preparation for a widespread Covid-19 outbreak, each household should not attempt to hoard every bottle of hand sanitiser from their nearest Pak’nSave.

Most people tend to fret about not having sufficient supplies, but the National Emergency Management Agency’s advice for anyone who’s worried is to focus your energy on having a plan.

‘‘The most important thing is sitting down with whanau or flatmates and asking questions like; What if we’re stuck at home for multiple weeks? ... What if we’re separated from each other?’’ said a spokesperson.

Since New Zealand’s first case of the virus was confirmed last Friday, people have been buying face masks, toilet paper, hand sanitiser and tinned food.

In spite of reported panic buying in Auckland, food manufacturers and suppliers have said they are confident in the strength of their supply chains and people have no need to hoard.

‘‘Generally, the advice is that so long as not everyone buys everything at the same time, there is unlikely to be any significant shortage or delay in stocking up on supplies needed for a pandemic,’’ said deputy director of public health Dr Harriette Carr.

Face masks have become almost synonymous with the coronavirus outbreak overseas, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend them if you’re healthy. ‘‘You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it,’’ it says on its website. ‘‘A face mask should be used by people who have Covid-19 and are showing symptoms.’’

The Ministry of Health points to the Get Thru emergency supplies kit list in case of a pandemic. Its published advice is to hash out a plan that considers the need to stay at home for several weeks.

That plan should include: who could help provide food and supplies to your sick household, renewing prescription medicines, neighbours’ and doctor’s phone numbers, an emergency supplies kit and activities to keep yourselves occupied.

‘‘Paracetamol or ibuprofen are recommended to bring down a fever or to reduce aches and pains. Do not use anything else for children unless you talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.’’

The National Emergency Management Agency recommends having the following basic supplies for an all-purpose emergency kit:

■ Water for three days or more – make sure you have at least nine litres of water for every person.

■ At least a week’s supply of food and water is advised for a prolonged emergency. Long-lasting food that doesn’t need cooking (unless you have a camping stove or gas BBQ) and food for babies and pets

■ Toilet paper, large plastic buckets and large rubbish bags for an emergency toilet

■ Dust masks and work gloves