Supply Alternatives/Replacements

Here are some alternatives to supplies that you may run out of and not be able to acquire. 

Single-Use Washcloths or Rags

For people who CAN use toilet: 

1. Place a stack of washcloths or rags by toilet.
2. Place a covered pail by toilet.
3. Use only once per toileting event.
4. If PCA to assist, instruct them to wash their hands
5. While seated on the toilet, pour water between your legs using a plastic bottle. Most of waste will rinse off. 
6. Use a washcloth/rag for the final wipe.
7. Put rags in covered bucket.  
8. Wash your hands.
9. DO NOT reuse until laundered.
10. Launder separately from other loads.

For people who CANNOT use toilet (PCA instruction): 

1. Place a stack of washcloths or rags by bed or changing table, and designate these for toileting only.
2. Place a covered pail by bed or changing table.
3. Wash your hands
4. Wear a mask as fecal matter is a carrier of the virus.
5. Using standard changing protocols, use SEVERAL warm cloths, using ONLY ONE cloth for each wipe. DO NOT RINSE OUT AND REUSE DURING THIS TOILETING EVENT.
6. Follow standard protocol of wiping front to back.
7. Put rags in covered bucket.  
8. Wash your hands AGAIN.
9. DO NOT reuse until laundered.
10. Launder separately from other loads.

Instead of paper towels:

1. Place a plastic container near each handwashing station (sink) with soap.
2. Fill with washcloths or rags.
3. Instruct household members and staff to use a new one each time they dry their hands
4. Put rags in covered bucket.  
5. DO NOT reuse until laundered.
6. OK to launder with other loads.

Make a Mask from Materials at Home

Make Your Own from materials at home:

About Homemade Masks (YouTube) -- general information from the east.

Homemade Mask Materials List (Smart Air Filters) -- this shows how effective some materials are at filtering micro-particles 

No-Cut, No-Sew Face Mask from a T-shirt (BlogSpot) -- with simple folds.

No-Cut, New-Sew Face Mask from a T-shirt (YouTuve) -- with clever cuts

No-Cut, No-Sew Face Mask from a Kerchief, Scarf or Bandana (Japanese Creations)

No-Sew Simple Respiratory Mask (NIH) -- requires T-shirt, scissors and filler material

No-Sew Face Mask VIDEO (YouTube) -- with common household projects for those who do not know how to sew.

How to Make a Mask from a T-Shirt (Heddels) -- needle, thread, scissors, BUT BE SURE TO ADDITIONALLY LINE WITH A KITCHEN TOWEL AS THIS IS EFFECTIVE ONLY AS AN OUTER SHELL. 

How to Make a Face Mask  VIDEO (YouTube) -- for those who know how to sew. Requires sewing machine.

 

Request a Free Mask from a Volunteer Mask Maker:

There are lots of people who have stepped up to sew fabric masks to help with the mask shortage. They are making these masks available for free to those that request them.

***WARNING for the Chemically Sensitive: If you are chemically sensitive, be sure your mask maker does not use toxic detergent and will be sending you a mask free of bleach, fragrance and other allergens/toxins.

***WARNING for EVERYONE: DO NOT immediately use a mask from a Mask Maker. 

Here's how to decontaminate a volunteer-made mask:

1. Quarantine the package for 24 hours
2. Wash your hands after touching the package.
3. Wash your hands after touching the mask 
4. Launder the mask: wash and dry the mask in hot/high-heat cycles
5. Wash your hands before putting the clean mask on.
6. Place a filter in the mask if there isn't one. A dish towel or folded paper towel can provide added protection.

Soap & Water

If you are not infected or ill, it is beneficia, according to the CDC. "Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. Cleaning does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection."

From a National Geographic article: Using bleach “is like using a bludgeon to swat a fly,” says Jane Greatorex, a virologist at Cambridge University....  [Also] Lisa Casanova, an environmental health scientist at Georgia State University. She and other experts instead recommend using milder soaps, like dish soap, to easily sanitize a surface indoors and outdoors.

Steam Cleaner (HOT)

Steam cleaning uses heat to disinfect or sanitize nearly all household surfaces.

According to the World Health Organization, "Heat at 56º C  [133ºF] kills the SARS coronavirus kills the SARS coronavirus at around 10000 units per 15 min (quick reduction)."

Steam Cleaning and Your Home --  how to use steam cleaners in all rooms in your house, types of steam cleaners, what materials you can clean, things to be mindful of

Steam cleaners can be purchased online and shipped to your door.

 

Gloves

Wearing gloves is important when protecting yourself against bacteria, blood borne pathogens or staying clean. If you DO NOT need sterile gloves, try an unconventional source, such as:

• Hardware stores  -- often have latex and non-latex/nitrile gloves used for protecting hands against chemicals.
• Stores selling kitchen supplies -- for kitchen dishwashing gloves.

 

Copyright 2020 (cc) VirusHelpINT.com Notice,  License, Terms of Use: CC-NA-SA

Give Feedback on this Web Site (Facebook)