A few days back I shared the Quarantine Survival Test. Asking you to pick up and prioritise the items that you will carry. This is a real question in case you are taken to an isolation area. The thought is simple- you are not yet COVID POSITIVE – but the uncertainty remains. The fear is not death as that is something not in your control- but the isolation and its possible psychological impact.
So this answer being shared with you, is the advice from 4 different people who have been in similar situation. Can’t say its perfect- however- I believe it is better as it comes from people who have been in the situation.
QUARANTINE SURVIVAL PRIORITIES.
All of them chose to be at the Hotel. Says a lot about confidence on the government facilities. So, IF YOU HAVE FUNDS AND DECIDE TO STAY AT THE HOTEL – then:
FIRST EIGHT ITEMS ON PRIORITY
The first 8 items are more than sufficient. Next 7 are just improving the situation emotionally and is adding nothing to the setup. Rest is really useless for the case.
1. Aadhar Card. The first thing to establish your identity
2. Medicine kit that has emergency medicine and your daily Blood pressure tablets. Just because you are getting into unknown territory with a lot of uncertainties.
3. One Plus seven Mobile with charger. The game-changer for all connectivity.
4. 4 sets of shirts and trouser, under-garments, socks, handkerchief and sleeping dress
5. SBI Elite credit card with a limit of INR 2.5 lakh. If you have a mobile, money can be arranged but this added assurance when you will exit the hotel.
6. Airtel high-speed Hotspot 4 G with 150 GB data preloaded. In case the hotel does not have WiFi, or their charges are too high.
7. MacBook Air 13-inch laptop and charger. If you want to do work that cannot be done on the mobile phone.
8. Bag of Toiletries that has personal soap, toothbrush, Gillette Sensor razor and shaving cream, moisturising lotion, mirror, Shampoo and conditioner, perfume and deodorant. Most of these can be arranged or managed.
Getting in the luxury space.
9. Stereophonic Bose Bluetooth headphones with inbuilt mike.
10. Amazon Firestick with a one-month subscription. In case you are the OTT Freak, and maybe the hotel plays limited channels.
11. Five face masks. Not needed- as the isolation area will most likely provide you with one
12. Gel-based Sanitiser 250 ml. Isolation area is expected to have sanitiser. You may keep it for personal emergency and anyway it is not going to last the isolation period.
13. One litre of your choice of alcoholic drink under INR 4500. Even if you take it may be confiscated, and it is the wrong thing to have at this time.
14. 10 Packs of 20-Cigarettes. Only in case, you can’t live without them. But the isolation area may not allow smoking.
15. A strip containing sleeping pills – Valium 10. Only if you have a sleeping disorder. And even them not advisable in the isolation area.
THE ITEMS NOT TO BE PICKED.
16. One 24-Watt emergency light. If you are going to hotel-or any isolation facility not needed.
17. American Express Credit Card with a definite limit of INR 4 Lakh. It has a higher ceiling than SBI but most probably lesser acceptance. And one card should be enough.
18. Kindle White and charger. You should be able to use your Mac or the Mobile for this purpose.
19. Torch with a new set of batteries. Same as the above.
20. New suit you purchased for the award function. Keep it where it is- and has utility just ahead of the small booklet.
21. A small booklet. Home remedies to build up Immunity. Useless under the circumstance)
232 A book titled ‘Complete Pandemic- Corona Virus; precaution and care’. It is of no use- you already know all or will be directed at the isolation facility.
BLOG/33/2020
