This is the first in what will be a weekly publication from Red Five which will lay out 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 continue to urge and/or mandate social isolation policies and practices as additional COVID-19 cases are diagnosed across the United States. These practices will likely include additional school closures, government office building closures, and restrictions on domestic travel. States or local authorities may mandate mass public quarantines—similar to what has happened in New Rochelle, NY—if there is a larger than expected surge in COVID-19 cases in a particular area or region.
- Limited testing capabilities will further delay an accurate count of COVID-19 cases in the US.
- Absent sufficient and accurate testing, people may be asked to self-quarantine as the only reliable way to stem the spread of the virus.
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. 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.
- Purchase a 30 day supply of any prescription or over the counter medicines you and your family routinely use.
- Take home any items needed to telework from home, if allowed. This may include a laptop, other electronic devices, chargers, notebooks, and hard copy files.
- Ensure that your home network is secure, and password protected.
- 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.
