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You're probably super worried about keeping your kitchen and home stocked with necessities, but there's no need to fear. You're still allowed to leave your home to get the items you need to take care of yourself and your family. When you need something, go directly to the store and back home. Limit yourself to as few trips as possible. Ideally, you might go once a week. Try to send 1 person from your household at a time. This way, fewer people will be out so it's easier for everyone to social distance. Whether you have an existing condition or get sick, you're allowed to go get medical attention, buy over-the-counter medication, or pick up prescriptions. If you're going to the doctor, call first to make sure you need to go into the office, as some appointments may be conducted over the phone. When getting medication, go directly to the pharmacy or drug store and back home. You can also get over-the-counter medications delivered to your home if you prefer. Some pharmacies may deliver, as well. The thought of being inside all day might sound awful to you, so you'll be happy to know it's okay to go outside. As long as you aren't having a social gathering, it's okay to sit out on your porch, play in your yard, or do yard work. Incorporate these activities into your day to get a break from inside. Use the space you have! If you don't have a yard, open the door to your home and sit in the doorway. You might also sit by an open window. Fortunately, you're still allowed to enjoy nature while you're under the coronavirus shelter-in-place. You can exercise outside or just enjoy the scenery. While you're out, make sure you maintain a distance of at least 6ft (1.8m) between yourself and anyone you encounter. It's important to distance yourself from others because COVID-19 spreads through droplets spread by coughing, sneezing, and breathing. You're less likely to breathe in these droplets if you don't get too close to people. If you help out family members or friends, you might be worried that the shelter-in-place will keep you from visiting them. Luckily, you're still allowed to go to someone else's home if you're providing care to someone who's considered vulnerable, like the elderly. Just make sure you're going directly there and then back home. During the coronavirus shelter-in-place, you can provide daily care and assistance to anyone who is elderly, has a disability, or has a health issue. Additionally, you can go to someone else's home to care for minor children. For instance, it would be okay for you to go to your elderly grandmother's home to give her medication or to babysit for your sister's children in her home. You may not be able to work from home if you're in certain industries, like healthcare. If you have one of these jobs, you're allowed to leave your home to go to and from work. Check with your boss to make sure you're supposed to go to work, then continue with your commute. You can likely leave your home to work if you're in the following fields: Healthcare, such as doctors, hospitals, pharmacists, and staff First responders Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, and convenience stores Government services and public transportation Construction, refineries, and plants Utilities and trash pick-up Gas stations Hardware stores, repair shops, plumbing, electrical work (for essential needs) Education (for distance learning only) Childcare facilities (for children of essential employees only) Delivery services Laundry services Security Media organizations
Shop for groceries, pet supplies, and household items weekly. Get medical care and pickup medications when necessary. Spend as much time as you like in your yard or on your porch. Go for a walk, run, or hike outdoors, but stay away from others. Provide care to a family member or vulnerable person in another home. Go to work if you're in an essential job and can't work from home.