7 Solutions that Could Help You Self-Isolate During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Over 500,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus have already been diagnosed across the globe, and that figure just keeps rising sharply by the day.
As a result, many governments across the globe have taken drastic measures – such as imposing quarantines and lockdowns, closing borders and shutting down bars and restaurants – all in an attempt to curb the spread of the deadly disease.
While these measures are doubtlessly helping to “flatten the curve,” they have left most of us stuck at home.
If you are feeling the strain, it is worth remembering that there technological solutions out there that can help you cope with self-isolation and working from home.
Check out the list below – and consider looking into some of these if you want to make your new life easier – or help you prepare for the worst!
Zoom
Video conferencing has become the new norm for those who want to keep doing something approximating “business as usual.” If so, Google Hangouts is one obvious option. Alternatively, you could check out Zoom.
The California-based communications company provides a user-friendly video conferencing platform for free (provided you only opt for the basic version).
So, whether you are having a remote business meeting or just a “virtual pint” with your friends, solutions like Zoom could lend a helping hand.
Cybersecurity Software
If you are self-isolating at home, chances are you are now online for almost 24 hours a day on your home-based PC or laptop. But all that extra time online means you are now even more vulnerable to virus or malware-related attacks.
Using anti-virus and malware detection software, such as programs developed by Avast and Malware Bytes, is probably a good idea at a time like this. And that goes double if remote work has you handling sensitive work-related data on your home computer.
The rise in cybercrime over the past few years would suggest that online criminals could choose to strike precisely when network security is at its weakest – with much of the world now operating on home-based systems.
VR Headset
If you want to take a break from the new reality and immerse yourself in a video game, a VR headset may come in handy. Headsets, like the popular Oculus Quest, let you play a wide range of VR games that will make you feel like you are actually inside the game!
While VR gaming headsets are hardly essential survival gear, they could help you stay entertained while you self-isolate.
Learn more: VR and Crypto – a Match Made In Reality
Delivery Drone
With delivery services already at full strain, a delivery drone could come in handy if you want to send and receive items to or from friends and family living nearby. You can already purchase drones that are powerful enough to carry small packages over relatively short distances.
E-commerce giants like Amazon are looking at ways to support their existing delivery service using drone technology.
China has reportedly been using drones to deliver medical samples, food and other goods during the outbreak.
Wi-Fi Extension
Since we will all probably be spending a lot of time at home in the coming months, you will probably want to make sure you have working Wi-Fi in all corners of your residence. If your signal is weak, or your house is big, you should probably consider investing in a Wi-Fi range extender.
Alternatively, you could purchase a Wi-Fi mesh network system and place nodes around your home for full Wi-Fi coverage.
Ham Radio
What happens if the internet goes down? In the unlikely event of a total communications meltdown, we might need to turn back the clock on innovation and revisit a tech advance from yesteryear – the amateur radio set.
A ham radio could help you discover vital news on what is happening in your country if web access becomes spotty or disappears altogether. You could also use a set to send out help or emergency messages. Being able to communicate over unallocated radio frequencies could become an essential survival skill in times of emergency.
Bitcoin
Finally, of course, there is bitcoin (BTC). Should the economic fallout of the pandemic result in a global economic crisis, then there is a real chance that bank bail-ins or even collapses could occur.
Governments – such as the Cypriot authorities in 2013 – have resorted to enforced bail-ins on depositors in the past, so it could pay to be wary.
For that reason, it would be smart to ensure you retain some bitcoin or altcoin funds that you could fall back on if your bank does buckle under pressure.
