During a recent COVID Insights to Action Discussion Group in which Nick asked me to discuss my quarantine experiences as I have documented here previously, Luis Saldana brought up an excellent point.  My quarantine experience is unusual, why?  I have a house with an external door to a room with its own bathroom, I have other bedrooms, bathrooms, resources, and was able to place a microwave and refrigerator in the room along with food and materials.  What about those who come from a disadvantaged background how can they try to reduce their risk?

In this post, I’ll try to provide some ideas.  Let’s start with the assumption that there is a house or apartment with one bedroom, a living space, a kitchen, and one bathroom.  They can’t put a refrigerator or microwave into the bedroom, etc. So here are some ideas for isolation and quarantine

1. Before placing them in the one-bedroom, get everything out others may need and put everything in they may need.  Wear a mask and if possible have them waiting outside the house or apartment away from everyone and wearing a mask while you do this. Try to maintain the most separation.
2.  Have all the other people living there sleep in the other room. Not the most comfortable but it can be done for a relatively short period.
3. If possible put foods that don’t require refrigeration into the bedroom; things like a loaf of bread,  peanut butter, nuts, crackers, bags of chips or popcorn, and other snacks as well as utensils. Bottles of water or a pitcher, cans, or bottles of other drinks that they won’t mind drinking warm. If you are preparing meals for them prepare them in the kitchen and leave it at the bedroom door.  Put it on paper plates with plastic utensils if possible that they can throw into the trashbags provided below when they are done. Do not have them come out to prepare food in the kitchen or eat with others. Be sure to walk away from their door before they open it to get their meal, and everyone should be wearing masks.
4. Be sure to place trash bags in their room for trash and laundry. If you are doing laundry or taking out the trash, have them leave it outside their door, close their door and then pick it up with a mask and wearing gloves.  Drop the laundry directly into the washer, handle it as little as you can.  Drop the trash bag into the trash. Be sure to wash your hands afterward.
5. Hand sanitizer, place a big bottle of hand sanitizer in the bedroom for them to use. Also, be sure to have hand sanitizer and plenty of soap for others living there and have them use it frequently.
6. Masks, place a bunch of masks in the bedroom, and it is best to have the person wear them throughout the day except when eating even in the bedroom.   Others should have plenty of masks as well and wear their masks in the house or apartment as much as possible and of course limit any interaction with the person.
7. Place a radio if available, TV, cell phone, or another electronic device so they have something to listen to, watch, and communicate with.
8. If possible schedule the same time(s) every day for them to take a shower(s) or bath(s) in the one bathroom.  Be sure that they go directly there and do not interact with anyone. In fact, it may be best to step outside whenever they have to go to the restroom Provide them with their own towel(s) that they take with them from and back to their room.
   1. When they have finished using the bathroom, give it perhaps 20 minutes or so to clear the air, if there is a fan, have them leave it running when they come out. Enter with a mask and gloves and clean the bathroom with an appropriate cleaner or mixture with bleach.
9. Have them let you know when they need to use the bathroom and be sure all are wearing masks and as far away as possible or even step outside while they go.  After they have returned to the bedroom, clean the bathroom similar to after the shower.
10. A thermometer would be helpful and always ask how they are feeling.  If they get any symptoms or begin to feel worse monitor them in case they need to go to the doctor or hospital.
11. If they must go somewhere in a car.  Have them sit in the seat furthest away from the driver and both should be wearing a mask.  Open all windows or if not possible, the front window opposite the driver and the rear window opposite the passenger. If possible do not have others join the trip in the car.  Let the car air out and clean it thoroughly after taking them.
12. Be sure to communicate with them it can get very lonely stuck in a room.
13. Leave windows in the house or apartment open if the weather permits.

If you have any thoughts or ideas please add them below.