This is Red Five’s second weekly report detailing proactive steps you, your family, or your company can take to be prepared for the week ahead. This report represents work product derived from various reliable sources, and contains the most accurate information available at the time of print. However, it may be based in part upon information provided by third party sources, which may be subject to change at any time.
We assess that state and local governments will follow California and New York in mandating stay at home policies as additional COVID-19 cases are diagnosed across the United States. Excursions outside of your home will be limited to what is deemed essential, such as grocery shopping, visits to the doctor, and getting gas. Administration and public health officials have warned that the virus will continue to spread exponentially absent a wide-reaching stay at home policy.
- Limited testing capabilities will further delay an accurate count of COVID-19 cases in the US.
- Absent sufficient and accurate testing, the most effective way to stem the spread of the virus is to stay at home and avoid all unnecessary contact with non-family members.
We recommend you take the following steps in order to be prepared for the week ahead.
- Purchase enough food and water to be able to self-quarantine for 14 days in case you or a member of your family become sick. It is recommended that you have a gallon of water per person per day. Non-perishable items such as energy bars, protein bars, beef jerky, canned or dried fruit, nuts, beans, and oatmeal are all nutrient-rich choices. Electrolyte tablets, such as Nuun, and Vitamin C packets are also good sources of much needed electrolytes and vitamins.
- Purchase enough pet food to be able self-quarantine with your pets, if you have pets. Do not rely on just-in-time delivery methods as some online retailers are limiting delivery options and/or times.
- Purchase a 30 day supply of any prescription or over the counter medicines you and your family routinely use.
- In the event a family member begins to feel ill, you may want to identify a bedroom and bathroom for that person to use, and ensure the rooms are located away from highly frequented areas of your residence. The room should be one that is easy to clean and has fewer fabrics and soft surfaces, per CDC guidance. These efforts will help limit the spread of the illness to other family members.
- Consider isolating packages and deliveries in a garage or other sequestered space for 20 hours prior to bringing them inside your residence, as COVID-19 is believed to remain on surfaces for up to 20 hours
- If working from home, ensure that your home network is secure, and password protected.
- If working from home, not to open suspicious emails or click on suspicious links, and remind employees working from home to do the same. Phishing attacks and other cyber hacks are on the rise as offices have shifted to a work from home status.
- Verify any requests that are outside the norm, even if made by an employee, friend, or family member. A phone call or text to their personal cell phone number will work. Cyber criminals are taking advantage of people working from home to spoof their email addresses and send fraudulent requests to their contacts.
- Create a plan on how and when to check in with loved ones who may not be close by; this is especially important for children who live away from home and the elderly.
- Keep in mind, this too will pass. We are a resilient country, and a resilient people. A link to last week’s report can be found here: https://red5securityco.wpengine.com/news/covid-19-how-to-be-prepared-in-the-week-ahead
