It’s a scary time to go shopping. There are shortages of all sorts of odds and ends, and knowing what you actually need to get you through the Covid-19 pandemic can feel super stressful. The WIRED Gear team has spent the past few days talking to experts (as well as among ourselves), and have come up with this master guide to everything you might need right now (and a few things you should avoid buying for the sake of the greater good).
Need more information? Be sure to check out our full coverage of all things Covid-19, and to pay attention to any new information coming from the Centers for Disease Control and other reliable sources.
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Updated March 20: We’ve added more retailers so you have more options and replaced links for items that are out of stock.
General Tips
First thing’s first: Know when you might be sick.
Symptoms of the Coronavirus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. It can also cause body aches, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat. A lack of these symptoms alone does not mean you are free of the virus. Many who get Coronavirus show few or no symptoms, which is why we recommend following these recommendations from the CDC on how to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
- Stay home (especially if you’re sick) unless you absolutely need to leave.
- If you are out and about, keep your distance from others (about six feet). Avoid groups of 10 or more.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough (into your elbow or use a tissue).
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. A lot. You can use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if you’re on the go.
- Clean and disinfect areas in your home you frequently touch.
Food and Supplies You (Might) Need
