I am not particularly concerned about the virus itself. [0] From what I have read [1], people who are infected do not show symptoms for 2-14 days and can transmit it fairly easily to others around them. This means most people are probably going to catch it eventually. Those who are in reasonably good health, without unfortunate pre-existing conditions (e.g. old age, diabetes, lung disease), are only at risk of a mild illness (fever, cough, shortness of breath). The majority of those with pre-existing conditions will probably recover, even if their illness is more severe.

I am however mindful of the risks of panic-buying, hospitals running out of capacity, and supply chain disruption caused by sick leave, quarantine, government regulations etc. Stocking up a bit on basic food / medicine / supplies means that I can choose not to enter a supermarket full of panicky people. In the event of an unrelated minor illness or injury, being prepared for home treatment means that I can choose not to go into a hospital full of infected people (most of whom were in poor health to begin with, and could potentially have some interesting additional infectious diseases to transmit to unwary fellow patients).

Selecting the right food and medicine also allows straightforward treatment of any relative who has caught the virus. From the Mayo Clinic (source), I find that treatment consists of:
- Pain relievers
- Cough syrup or medication
- Rest
- Fluid intake



It's best to buy basic items that you will actually use. This way, you're simply moving some expenses further ahead in the diary. Example of what not to do: Buying "emergency dry food packs" from a survivalist-themed company, which you will never willingly eat after the emergency is over.



So, let's list a working set of items. This article will hopefully be a useful reference point during any future short-term disruption scenarios.



Pleasant basic meals, whose main ingredients can be stored for a long time

1) Curried rice

Rice, lentils, onions, curry powder. Optional: Vegetables, beans, chickpeas, raisins.

2) Tomato soup

Tinned tomatoes, onions, carrots, basil.

3) Pasta with tomato sauce

Pasta, tinned tomatoes, onions, black olives. Optional: cheese.

4) Lentil stew

Lentils, tinned tomatoes, onions. Optional: Sweet potatoes, carrots, other vegetables.

5) Baked apples (for dessert)

Baking apples, raisins / dried fruit, brown sugar / honey.

Extras:
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Soy sauce
- Olives (jars)
- Sweetcorn (cans)
- Tea
- Coffee
- Soup (cans)



Basic supplies

- Toilet paper
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Washing-up liquid
- Hand soap



Basic medicines

- Paracetamol
- Ibuprofen
- Aspirin
- Some type of antihistamine
- Antiseptic
- Cotton pads
- Warm clothes and blankets
- Cough syrup
- Tea with honey, lemon, and ginger
- Some type of decongestant
- Cold sore gel