COVID-19: How to Prepare Kids for Social Distancing or Self-Quarantine

self quarantine

The rapid spread of the new Coronavirus COVID-19 has sparked panic across the world. The World Health Organization has declared this coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.

The affected countries are trying to contain the virus by closing their borders, closing schools, malls, restaurants, and parks.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised people to get prepared for self-quarantine to prevent the spread of the virus.

This article discusses how parents can prepare their children for social distancing or self-isolation.

What is Social Distancing?

Social distancing is practices intended to seize or slow down the spread of a contagious disease. The measures implemented by public health officials are aimed to prevent the spread of the virus and to protect the most vulnerable persons, including elders and people with a weakened immune system, from getting the virus.

To contain the Coronavirus COVID-19, people with a weakened immune system or underlying health conditions have been advised to stay home and away from other people.

Experts also recommend people to keep a distance of at least 6 feet from each other.

It is believed that the virus mainly spread through droplets that come out of the nose or mouth of an infected person.

When the victim of COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, speaks or exhales, the droplets came out of mouth or nose travel about 3 to 6 feet before falling to the ground.

Preparing Kids for Self-Quarantine

In the situation when people have been advised to stay at home avoiding unnecessary traveling, there are a few things to must-have.

From health supplies and medications to food supplies, you must have necessities on hand for an extended stay at home.

Try to stock supply for at least 30 days because we are not sure how long will the crisis persist.

Here is the list of medical and health supplies you must have for self-isolation.

  • Prescribed medication
  • Prescribed medical supplies such as thermometer, blood pressure, and glucose monitoring equipment
  • Prescribed medicine for fever, pain, cough, flu, and cold
  • Fluids with electrolytes
  • Soap and an alcohol-based sanitizer
  • Tissues and tampons

In addition to health supplies and medications, you should also keep food items at home.

You can keep a 2-week or 30-day supply of non-perishable food items at home. For instance, you must have:

  • Canned or frozen fruits, vegetables, and meat
  • Protein
  • Dry cereals and oatmeal
  • Bread, rice, and grains
  • Peanut butter
  • Canned beans
  • Cooking oil
  • Flour, sugar, and spices
  • Chicken broth
  • Bottled water
  • Tea, coffee, canned juices, and milk
  • Baby food and formula
  • Pet food

Laundry detergent, dishwasher, and other household supplies

How to Make Social Distancing Effective for Kids

Parents are concerned that what they should do to entertain kids while all the parks, stadiums, libraries and recreational spots are closing down with social distancing rule in place.

Also, it is not alright to leave kids in front of screens to spend the whole day at home. Here, the question arises that should kids be allowed for playdates.

To make social distancing effective, play dates should not be allowed.

If you are sure that the friend of your child is healthy and he has had no close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, then allowing your kid to play with that single friend might be acceptable.

However, we can never be sure if someone has picked up the virus until the symptoms of the disease appear.

Virtual playdates using platforms of Skype and FaceTime can also allow kids to play without compromising on the rule of social distancing.

TheOneSpy tracking app can help you keep an eye on activities performed on these apps to prevent kids from wrongdoings.

Outdoor playdates might be a compromise where more physical distance has been created. By implementing rules about distance and touching, you can prevent your kids from sharing germs.

But if you think that they would not follow the rule, then do not allow playdate even if it is outside the home. You can also go for a family hiking or bike ride where you can enforce the rule of social distancing.

Having a badminton game in the backyard is also a good idea. As well as planning safe fun activities, you can also make your kids read a good book or assist you in the kitchen or household chores.

What Precautions to Take to Go Outside

Public health officials recommend people stay at home to minimize the chances of exposure to the coronavirus.

However, it does not mean that we must lock the doors and not go outside.

People who have flu, coughs and sneezes should stay home as much as possible. They should contact their doctor first before visiting his office to get their illness checked out.

People with a confirmed case of coronavirus should stay at home.

Those who were in close contact with the COVID-19 infected person should also stay at home.

Their self-isolation is mandatory to protect others from picking up the infection.

If you are healthy and have not been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus, you can go outside but only for necessities.

Do not go to crowded areas. If you need to go to the supermarket, plan your visit at times when it is less crowded.

Try to stay at least 6 feet away from other shoppers. Also, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water when you come back home.

What to Do to Protect Yourself and Family from COVID-19

A few healthy practices can protect you and your family from the Coronavirus disease. The following actions can protect you from coronaviruses and influenza.

  • Stay home when you are sick or have close contact with a sick.
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water frequently for at least 20 seconds.
  • Cover your sneeze or cough with tissue and throw the tissue into the dustbin.
  • Wear a face mask if you have flu or cold. It is necessary to protect others from the droplets of cough and sneeze.

Hope this article would help to protect you and your kids from the COVID-19.

Stay at home; wash hands often; eat healthily and keep the social distancing rule in mind to stay protected.

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