Keeping Your Child Safe During Coronavirus
There is a lot of fear and concern around the coronavirus. So the question is.. How do children stay safe during this time period? The reassuring news from the BBC is that having a health condition does not make it more likely to catch the respiratory disease. There are some conditions that may cause challenging side effects. This includes a weakened immune system, underlying chronic conditions, heart disease, asthma or diabetes.
How is Coronavirus Spread to Children?
Hopkins Medicine reports “Children are exposed to COVID-19 when the virus contacts their eyes, nose, mouth or lungs. This usually occurs when a nearby infected person coughs or sneezes, which releases respiratory droplets into the air and onto the child’s face or nearby surfaces such as tables, food or hands.”
What Precautions Should I Take?
To ensure your child is safe you can take the following precautions such as:
- Avoid crowds- Keeping children away from crowded spaces avoids the possibility of contact with an infected person
- Distancing from people who are ill – avoid your child from coming into contact with people who are sick with a cough or a fever.
What If I notice symptoms?
The latest advice is that if any new symptoms become apparent such as a new, persistent cough and fever; stay at home and monitor symptoms. If the symptoms get worse or are no better after seven days, call the GP or use the NHS 111 service.
What Happens with School?
According to the CDC schools and health departments have a responsibility to slow the spread of coronavirus by ensuring healthy and safe environments. This includes sharing information with parents and carers of any known cases.
If your child has to be absent from school for an extended period of time due to COVID- 19 and the school remains open, they may be entitled to curriculum-based activities through virtual instruction, online or telephone.
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