Biosecurity

Coronavirus grocery list: What items you need to buy in case of self-quarantine

Concerns about coronavirus and the disease it causes — COVID 19 — have been dominating news headlines as the outbreak continues to spread worldwide.

As the number of reported cases in the U.S. continues to rise, many Americans are preparing for the possibility of large-scale school and business closures, enhanced travel restrictions and even the possibility of being quarantined.

While the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 remains low nationwide, thousands of Americans have been advised to self-quarantine due to recent travel activity. NBC News Medical Correspondent Dr. John Torres confirmed to TODAY that self-quarantine is currently being recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for anyone who has been to China, or other affected areas, within the last 14 days. Self-quarantine is also being advised for those who have been exposed to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

Infectious disease experts currently believe the incubation period for COVID-19 is 14 days.

“Having someone who has potentially been exposed to the virus self-quarantine for 14 days would ensure they … don’t spread it to others,” explained Dr. Torres, who added that this precaution should help slow the rate of transmission of the virus.