As many precautions as you take to prevent COVID-19 infections for yourself or those in your household, it is very possible that one of you will get sick. When one person in a household is sick, the other people are very likely to become sick as well if you aren’t very careful. However, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of getting other people in your household sick.

Trying to figure out what to do when you are already feeling ill is no fun! So a bit of planning before anyone in your household is sick can make the illness and recovery easier.

Knowing–and writing down!–the answers to these questions will help you be prepared. There are more details on each of these topics in the rest of the Staying Safe: Planning section.

1. Do you know where to get a test?
2. Can you isolate at home and how will you protect others you live with while contagious?
3. If not, where can you isolate?
4. Who will care for you if you are in need of assistance, groceries, etc.?
5. Do you have the things necessary to monitor your symptoms: thermometer, blood pressure monitor, and oximeter?
6. Do you know what serious COVID-19 symptoms look like?
7. Do you know who to call and where to go if your symptoms become serious?

To-Do List

Make an arrangement with a pandemic pal–someone who lives outside your household and can help you with groceries, errands, and other out-of-the-house tasks if your household gets sick and needs to isolate.

Your pandemic pal will also be someone who can check in with you daily to see how you are feeling and notice if your symptoms are worsening–this is especially important if you live alone or are the only adult in your household!

1. Make back-up plans for care of children, pets, and those in need of special assistance in case the primary caregivers get sick.
2. Prepare to create a “hot zone” in your home in case someone falls ill. There is more on how to do so in the Caring for Someone with COVID-19 section.
3. Stock up on essential foods, medicines, and other supplies so you won’t run out if you need to isolate.
4. Create a COVID Kit: thermometer, blood pressure monitor, oximeter, bleach or other approved disinfectant cleaning supplies, disposable gloves, clinic and hospital phone numbers.