Simplicity to a T

Simplicity to a T By Alyka Mendoza

Change is taking place all around us, and we have no choice but to adapt. As a result of self-quarantine and non-essential shops closing, trips outside to stores are only made when necessary, and most restaurants are turning to delivery and pickup only. We can only make the best of our situation, so let’s see what we can make in our kitchen using only a few ingredients. Tater tots are great paired with ketchup, but why not apply the same concept from the toast to the tots? You’ll need: - Cheese - Garlic powder - Tater tots - Baking sheet

1. Arrange the tater tots on a baking sheet so that there’s at least an inch between each one. 2. Add cheese on top of each tater tot. This works best when you cut cheese slices into rectangles slightly longer than the length of the tot. 3. Stick them in the oven at 450 degrees for about 18 minutes, depending on how many you’re baking. 4. Once the cheese is all melted and the tater tots are golden brown, take them out and sprinkle garlic powder on them. 5. You can tweak this as much as you want, so feel free to experiment with other toppings. It’s hard to go wrong with tater tots.

Toasted bread is great in a cinch, but let’s take it a step further. Here are a couple of ideas to spice up your toast just a bit.

SWEET

SAVORY

You’ll need: - Sugar - Cinnamon - Butter - Bread

1. Completely cover your bread in a thin layer of butter. 2. Lightly sprinkle it with sugar, cinnamon, or both. 3. Have sweetened condensed milk around? Forgo the sugar and toast your bread normally, using the milk as your spread. You’ll need: - Cheese - Butter - Garlic powder - Bread

1. Once again, completely cover your bread with butter. 2. Sprinkle it with garlic powder, making sure it’s even all around. 3. Add cheese on top, whether it’s a cheese slice or shredded cheese.

4. Stick it in your oven (preferably a toaster oven) at medium heat for around 5 minutes. A little burn on top can be tasty, so you can leave it in for a little longer. Keep an eye on it and you’ll know when it’s ready.

COVID-19 Prevention By Emeka Ikechukwu

10 | LLA Mirror On April 6th, 2020 Riverside county required all of its residents to wear masks whenever going outside or face a fine of “up to $1000,” as stated in Riverside ordinance, becoming the first in the state to do so.

A day later San Bernardino County released a mandate that anyone who goes outside is required to wear a mask and religious services must be held virtually, the San Bernardino Sun stated.

Such recommendations or requirements across the country has left American’s searching for masks, and materials to buy masks, but supplies are thin, even on Amazon.com. According to a poll by Business Insider 55% of Americans say the U.S. government was not prepared for COVID-19 type pandemic crisis. Currently there is a lack of protective equipment for healthcare workers, such as masks and medical gowns to help shield doctors and nurses from the virus. Healthcare workers have been forced to use bandannas and scarves as substitutes for masks and have also needed to use things such as trash bags in place of medical gowns according to Vox News. Masks have become especially difficult to obtain for medical workers right now. This is in part due to individuals who have decided to steal masks from medical facilities according to CNBC. Sia Kumar (9th) said she is staying inside to protect herself from getting the virus. Kumar said she is doing this because going outside increases her chances of getting the virus. All the new restrictions and guidelines leave many wondering what they can do protect themselves. The World Health Organization (WHO) states we can protect ourselves by following these steps. First, it is recommended that you stay home as much as possible, this will not only reduce the chances of you contracting the disease, it also reduces the chance of you carrying the virus to someone who is more susceptible, such as an older relative, or a relative who has a compromised immune system. Second, whether you are outside or in your home it is advised that you keep a distance of at least 6 feet from others. Third, wash your hands frequently. It is recommended that you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds under warm water.

Next, if you have a cough, cover your cough using your shirt sleeve or a cloth or tissue.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states if a person has COVID-19 symptoms of a fever and a cough they should stay home away from other people and pets and call their doctor. The CDC states people should call 911 if they have “trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, bluish lips or face.” Everyone has a part to play in reducing the curve and helping our community.

Bandanna Face Covering (no sew method)

Source: CDC.gov

Sew Your Own Mask

Search: “Johns Hopkins mask instructions” Search: “Washington Post Answers to DIY Face Mask Questions”