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Keeping Children in the Safe Zone During COVID - 19

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Whenever going out with my kids in the car, I grab a few toys for my toddler and some snacks for the elder one to keep them entertained during the ride. Pretty sure that’s what almost all parents do.

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But this was my habit up until nefarious Uncle ‘Rona announced their unwelcome presence. Now, hand sanitizers and face masks come first.

Forgive me for the bad sense of humor. Now’s probably not the right time, but they say humor helps cope with stressful situations – and with this pandemic worsening with each passing day, we could all use a bit more of that.

The point is that the coronavirus outbreak has radically changed the way we look after and provide for our kids. From what they eat and how they dress to where they sit and what they touch, especially when outdoors, parents have become more mindful of everything their child does. And they should too.

Health practitioners have confirmed that children and the elderly are more susceptible to catching the virus as compared to those in the middle age group. There are several reports of children who have been hospitalized and even intubated. But on a brighter side, medical experts have also confirmed that the fatality rate is much lower in children than other age groups.

Survey results show that out of the 82,000+ people infected in China, only around 2% were kids. Plus, only a few of them were considered seriously ill. Most kids showed only mild to moderate symptoms and recovered within quite a short span of time.

Nonetheless, as parents, it’s upon us to make sure that our little ones follow proper safety protocols to avoid the risk of catching the disease.

The question is, how?

Whether you have got a toddler or a tween, children do not realize the importance of NOT touching public items like railings and door handles. In fact, the more you prohibit them from something, the more likely it is to attract them. It’s the law of the land I believe.

Based on my own experience, you stand a much better chance of defending your kids and yourself against the virus by having the right tools in your arsenal. Building new habits takes time so teaching your kids a new code of conduct for whenever you step foot outside your house amid the ongoing pandemic is quite absurd especially during these unprecedented times when merely scratching your nose or rubbing your eyes can put you at risk of illness.

To reiterate my earlier point, make hand sanitizer and face masks your must-have essentials when heading outdoors for any reason – even if you are just going down the street for a stroll.

Personal protection equipment (PPE) have become a new part of life for everyone amid COVID-19 and you should be carrying it whenever you travel. These items include a pocket-sized hand sanitizer top of the list, followed by a face mask, and perhaps even gloves, especially if you think you’ll need to change your tiny tot’s diaper while you are out.

You can buy them off Amazon, Target, or any other store. But in case you forget the pack at home or run out of supplies in the middle of your trip, don’t worry. Just look around. If you are at or near a subway, restaurant, or public restroom etc., you might find a sanitation station or a hand sanitizer vending machine. The government and even private businesses are installing more and more of these sanitary supply dispensers around various cities.

At the end, remember that the most proactive approach for keeping these this virus at bay is to have your PPE at hand and use it properly whenever the need arises.

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