Remember back in March when we thought COVID-19 would keep us home for a couple of weeks, then we’d get back to normal? We’ve learned a lot about the coronavirus since then. We now know that protecting ourselves and our families means creating a new normal. Here are tips on avoiding COVID-19 as you venture back into the world.
Make Safety Part of Your Routine
To minimize the risk of infection, keep following these simple steps:
- Continue social distancing. Stay at least six feet away from others, even when wearing a mask.
- Wear a mask over your nose and mouth whenever you leave the house.
- Make sure kids age 2 and older wear a mask. But don’t put masks or face coverings on babies and kids younger than 2 years old.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Soap up for at least 20 seconds each time. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if you don’t have soap and water handy.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow, not your hand.
- Stay away from anyone who is sick or who has been around someone with COVID-19.
Call Your Pediatrician for Illness, Injury and Immunizations
One aspect of the new normal is the same as the old normal: If your child isn’t well, call your pediatrician. Children’s health problems can turn serious fast, so it’s important to get care when needed. It’s just as important to keep kids healthy with their usual routine care. Kids need regular check-ups to be sure they develop properly. Staying on track with immunizations protects kids from life-threatening infections.
Now that we know more about COVID-19, staff in doctor’s offices and hospital ERs are taking extra steps to keep everyone safe. That means screening everyone for COVID-19, requiring masking and social distancing, and doing extra deep cleanings.
Give Kids Emotional Support
We all want to shield our children from upsetting news. But it’s best for kids to hear reliable information, and to hear it from you. Here is how to share age-appropriate information in a calming way. You can also help your kids feel in control with advice written just for them.
Make It Normal to Wear a Mask
In many places, people are wearing masks to slow the spread of the virus. Find out how to help kids get used to wearing and seeing masks here.
What to Do if Your Child Might Be Sick
If your child has a fever, cough or trouble breathing or was around someone with COVID-19, keep them away from other people. Call your pediatrician.
If your doctor isn’t available, you can screen your child for COVID-19 in a video visit. Nemours CareConnect lets you use your phone, tablet or computer to see a Nemours pediatrician 24/7. The doctor will tell you where to go for testing, if needed.
In an emergency, call 9-1-1 right away. Examples of emergencies are if your child is having severe breathing problems, is turning blue, or is confused and very sleepy.
Where Can I Get More Information?
Find out more on coronavirus at Nemours KidsHealth.org.
