Covid-19 advice for Parents
Here’s a compilation of essential information we feel every parent should know in order to prevent the spread of the virus and create a healthy environment for their children. All the information are based on WHO, UNICEF and CDC websites.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus. ‘CO’ stands for corona, ‘VI’ for virus, and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as ‘2019 novel coronavirus’ or ‘2019-nCoV.’ The COVID-19 virus is a new virus linked to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and some types of common cold.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia or breathing difficulties. More rarely, the disease can be fatal. These symptoms are similar to the flu (influenza) or the common cold, which are a lot more common than COVID-19. This is why testing is required to confirm if someone has COVID-19.
How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing and sneezing). Individuals can also be infected from and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and touching their face (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth). The COVID-19 virus may survive on surfaces for several hours, but simple disinfectants can kill it.
Know COVID-19 SYMPTOMS
Headache
Coughing
Sore Throat
Fever
In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia or breathing difficulties. More rarely, the disease can be fatal. These symptoms are similar to the flu (influenza) or the common cold, which are a lot more common than COVID-19.
CHECKLIST FOR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS
Together we can stop the spread of coronavirus
Always wear a Mask
Masks should be worn anytime you are in public or people are nearby. Masks act as a physical barrier to protect you and others from viral and bacterial particulates. Many people unknowingly infect others by going out and spreading germs by coughing or touching others
Monitor your child’s health
Monitor your child’s health and keep them home from school if they are ill. Share information about what is happening in a reassuring way. For example, if your child is feeling sick and staying at home or the hospital, you could say, “You have
to stay at home/at the hospital because it is safer for you and your friends. I know it is hard (maybe
scary or even boring) at times, but we need to follow the rules to keep ourselves and others safe.
Things will go back to normal soon.”
Teach and model good hygiene practices for your children
- Wash your hands with soap and safe water frequently.
- Always wash hands with soap and water, if hands are visibly dirty
- Ensure that safe drinking water is available and toilets are clean
- Ensure waste is safely collected, stored and disposed of
- Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow and avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth, nose
Help Children cope with stress
Children may respond to stress in different ways. Common responses include having difficulties sleeping, bedwetting, having pain in the stomach or head, and being anxious, withdrawn, angry, clingy or afraid to be left alone. Respond to children’s reactions in a supportive way and explain to them that they are normal reactions to an abnormal situation. Listen to their concerns and take time to comfort them and give them affection, reassure them they’re safe and praise them frequently.
Coordinate with the school to receive information and ask how you can support school safety efforts
At The Concord School, we strictly comply with all the health guidelines for Covid-19 by the NCDC and have put in place practices in line with WHO recommendations. This includes but isn’t limited to:
- Ensuring soap and safe water is available at age-appropriate hand washing
stations - Cleaning and disinfecting the school premises, classrooms and especially water and sanitation
facilities at least once a day - Increasing air flow and ventilation
- Posting signs encouraging good hand and respiratory hygiene practices
- Ensuring trash is removed daily and disposed of safely
Download our Resumption Guide
Details all preparation and procedures to be followed upon resumption
Covid-19 Latest
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