The cases of coronavirus or COVD-19 are adding up across the Four Corners, including Ignacio. Some grocery shelves have been wiped out. Many of you have already stocked up on essentials. Here are some tips to help you prepare, in case you or your family need to stay at home due to illness or exposure to COVID-19. Most quarantines will last about two weeks, so having food and supplies on hand can make this easier.

First of all, keep it in perspective. Hoarding is not necessary. Unlike a natural disaster, utilities like water and electricity are still available. Friends, family, and neighbors want to help, and businesses in the community are prepared. You can use a smart phone or computer to place your online grocery order and ask a friend to pick it up and leave it at your door. Smaller businesses are offering telephone ordering and payment as well.

Some things you’ll want to make sure you don’t run out of:

• Food and drinking water – your usual groceries will probably keep for the first week. After that, have enough frozen, dry, or canned food to feed your household for another week. If you need food assistance, check out the Native Connections Family Resource Guide (www.southernute-nsn.gov/?s=native+connections), or contact your local food bank.
• Medicines – call ahead for refills. Always try to keep at least a two-week supply. If you run out, ask for delivery, or friends and family to bring them to your door.
• Cleaning supplies – you’ll need soap and water to clean your hands, and surfaces in your home. After cleaning surfaces, use a household disinfectant like Lysol, Clorox wipes, or Formula 409 to kill germs. Rinse surfaces that will be in contact with food.
• Disposable plates, cups, and utensils to avoid handling of dishes from someone who is sick.
• Masks – for going into the community or using in your home if you must care for someone who is sick. If you use disposable gloves, be sure to change them after touching with any contaminated surface.
• Personal hygiene – toilet paper and feminine products to last a couple of weeks.
• First aid kit – include over-the-counter cough and cold medications and a thermometer.

Dialysis: talk to your dialysis staff and have a plan. Do not go to appointments without first notifying staff and transportation if you have COVID-19.

If you think you need health care or emergency services be sure to call ahead and let them know if you have tested positive or think you may have COVID-19. This way they can be prepared and protect others while caring for you.

Tribal Health Department Hours by appointment only:

• COVID-19 Testing: Mon. & Fri., 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Tue. – Thur., 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Health Center and Pharmacy: Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Lab: Mon., 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Tue. – Fri., 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Dental: Mon., Wed., and Fri., 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. for emergencies only
• Optometry: Closed until further notice