How I am Preparing for the Coronavirus (COVID19)
I waited to write this blog post because I wasn’t sure I would have to necessarily prepare to avoid catching the coronavirus (COVID19) and I am relatively young and healthy.
That was until multiple people were reported catching the coronavirus in the San Francisco Bay Area (where I live). The numbers have been creeping up slowly and my husband and I felt that we should take some precautions to make sure that we preserve our health and safety until the frenzy dies down.
Living in northern California where constant travel to East Asia is made and the fact that I take BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) to my office in San Francisco I made sure to take some precautions in order to prevent my likelihood of getting sick and to give myself peace of mind.
Speaking to My Manager and Company About a Coronavirus Work From Home Policy
The first course of action that I took was to immediately bring up the possibility of working from home if a pandemic and or outbreak occurred in San Francisco. SF isn’t exactly a clean city, to begin with due to homelessness and other issues (hence why I never wear shoes in my house) so the looming darkness of avoiding more germs was weighing down on me.
I brought up my concerns to my Manager who then brought it up with the CEO of my company. My company is creating an official Coronavirus policy and closely monitoring the progression of the disease in Northern California. It’s in their best interest to keep all employees healthy and productive.
I also have to bring up the fact that I’m extremely lucky to be able to work from home a few days out of the week, however, I’m not a fully “remote” employee. My mind was put at ease knowing that if I felt sick and if the coronavirus worsened in San Francisco I’d no longer have to commute into the office and just work from home until things cooled down.
Buying Non-Perishable Foods, Soap, Clorox Wipes & Emergency Supplies
I’m not a huge lover of canned fish, canned beans and other non-perishable foods. For me, they bring up thoughts of camping in the woods or what you eat when there is absolutely NOTHING else left in the pantry.
I’m a lover of fresh fruits, salad, and other fresh foods that definitely won’t last very long if the supply chain breaks down or if I have to be quarantined for two weeks if I’m sick.
Last weekend my husband and I stocked up on frozen foods, noodles, canned beans, rice, beans, and Soylent. If push came to shove, it’d be nice to have a few staple items that required little effort and could last for months.
But perhaps my largest concern was hand sanitizer, face masks, and Clorox wipes. When I went to my local Lucky grocery I was mortified at the lack of hand sanitizer. Everywhere I went I was greeted with a sign that announced that they were OUT OF STOCK.
I instead opted for a huge bottle of handsoap and Clorox wipes. I’ve been making a conscious effort to wash my hands at least 10x a day, wipe down my phone, TV remote, door handles and refrigerator handles with a Clorox wipe every day, and to make sure I don’t touch my face.
Recognizing my Privilege and Why Financial Freedom is so Important
Throughout my increased shopping and preparation for the coronavirus, I can’t help but appreciate my privilege. I am lucky to have a job and a company that allows me to work remotely while getting paid, have discretionary income to spend on items to prepare for the worst-case scenario and the fact that I’m a 29-year-old in good health that has a lowered chance of getting very ill or dying from the coronavirus.
I’ve spent an unplanned $100+ buying nonperishable foods, Clorox wipes, soap, and other goods that some people might not be able to afford. If I was living paycheck to paycheck without any emergency savings and not living a frugal life I wouldn’t be able to afford to prepare.
It reminds me of why I am working towards a life of early retirement and financial freedom. To feel empowered to make decisions and have more options or freedom to live a more happy, healthy, and productive life. Reaching FI allows you to have more control of your life and the ability to spend a little extra money here and there without fear of not being able to afford life’s necessities.
