The downside to this is that disinfectant, bleach, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, and (oddly) toilet paper/tissues/paper towels are flying off the shelves. Even basics like sugar are selling out. I sure hope my readers all have enough to last a few weeks, until the panic dies down.
If you're like me, you couldn't afford to stock up. So what to do? Well, I have some tips for you.
Speaking OF hand sanitizer, remember that they are a last resort. If you CAN wash your hands, then wash your hands! If soap and water isn't an option, sanitizer is better than nothing. Of course, good luck finding it in stores. You CAN make your own, but please don't follow just any old recipe. Use the one developed by the World Health Organization (you WILL need to get your hands on an alcoholometer...which you might be able to pick up in a brewing supply store or medical supply store).
What about Lysol, I hear you say. I understand. After all, not every surface is able to be cleaned by a wipe (or with bleach). I'D suggest putting straight 70% rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle and using that. It's not 100% effective, but better than nothing. That said, apparently a chemist from the Phillipines came up with some disinfectant recipes. Are they as effective as Lysol? Probably not. Are they better than nothing? Yes!
What of hand soap? Surprisingly, most of the stores I've been to have plenty! People don't listen when told "wash your hands", they reach for sanitizer instead. But washing your hands is the best way to reduce the risk of ANY illness! If your store is out, you can make your own. I use a recipe similar to this, except since most bars are 3oz instead of 4, I cut back on water. I also like my soap thicker, so I use 2C water to one bar of soap. If it needs thinned after it cools, just reheat and gently whisk in a bit more previously-boiled water! Keep in mind it's not as moisturizing as most store-bought hand soaps. But in a pinch....
So, before I move on, here's some advice: Prepare, but don't panic! Don't hoard a years worth of toilet paper and sugar. Buy enough supplies and necessities to last you a month or two, just in case you get sick. If you ARE sick, stay home! Call ahead if you need medical care, unless it's an emergency. Cover your cough. Avoid large crowds. Stay as far from people as you reasonably can (especially if they're coughing...though don't fear, they may just have a chronic cough from athsma or COPD). Limit physical contact. Touch public surfaces only when necessary. Disinfect commonly-touched surfaces in your home (don't forget your phone!). And most importantly, wash your darn hands!
So, Saint Patrick's Day is coming up. And then Ostara will follow. Here are my links for the holidays, starting with St. Pat's:
St. Patrick's Day
St. Pat's Part II
St Pats 3 & Easter/Ostara (2018)
Meatless "Corned beef" recipe
Some Spring Festivals (covers a wide range, including Ostara)
And, don't forget to check out some holiday-themed horror!
Until next time (which I promise will be the [unsolicited] reviews I've been hyping up)....