School Safety with Coronavirus
It’s back to school time, and this year, in addition to all the usual safety worries, there’s the concern of Coronavirus hanging over it all. Part of the problem with this coronavirus is that it’s new, so we don’t know very much about it and how it behaves. We are so used to knowing how our usual illnesses behave that it’s a huge shock when we don’t, and have to learn as we go.
Since school was, appropriately, closed down when the pandemic first started we aren’t sure what will happen when the kids go back to school in a few weeks. A lot of daycares have been open and done well in the meantime, but those kids are in small groups that don’t generally change rooms. There have also been large outbreaks among children in camps.
The problems with keeping children continually at home during this time are many. Most people learn better with face to face instruction and a more structured day, which many parents are unable to provide due to work or other obligations. Most parents aren’t teachers, so while they may do their best to help teach their children, they may not have the skills or knowledge required. Also, a large part of child development involves interacting with others in different situations. Finally, there are many vital services that schools provide other than education that many children are currently missing out on.
How do I decide where to school my child?
The answer to that depends on many factors, including whether or not you can have your child at home, the number of Coronavirus cases in your area, what the local school is doing, and if you or your child have any chronic illnesses.
In some places schools have already decided to have school either fully online or fully in person. Others are doing both, encouraging those who can stay at home to stay in order to lower class size. Some schools are still deciding. And even then, when school actually starts things will most likely change again as we see what happens in the first few weeks.
You might also ask your school what measures they are taking to keep students and staff members safe. Small classes, limited numbers of people in rooms, and decreasing interactions with different groups are going to be helpful. If students are going to be changing classes, how many will be in the hallways at the same time? How will lunch be structured to limit numbers in the lunchroom? Activities such as choir, band, or exercise where germs can be spread further than usual should ideally be held outside, where the risk is decreased.
If you are able to keep your child at home and feel comfortable helping with their schooling then do so. If you are unable to either keep your child at home or feel comfortable with their schoolwork, then that’s okay, too. You should do what’s right and needed for your family, and a lot of the time it’s sending the kids to school.
Some people with chronic illnesses are at increased risk of getting Coronavirus,and/or of having a worse course than others. Obviously those with immune system issues, such as recent chemotherapy, organ transplants, or immune system disorders will be more likely to get sick and do poorly. Many of those with a variety of chronic illnesses are also at higher risk. See the first link below for specifics.
If I am sending my child to school how do I keep them safe?
First of all, have your children use a mask over the mouth and nose. We suggest a cotton mask that you can swap out every day or two to wash and keep clean. Most children can wear it all day without any ill effects including those with asthma. There is a link below with tips for getting your child to wear a mask reliably and comfortably.
Secondly, make sure they know how to wash their hands correctly and/or to use hand sanitizer. Have them sing the ABC’s or Happy Birthday for the 20 seconds they need to be scrubbing with the soap on their hands, and then make sure they know to dry their hands.
Third, send them to school with a water bottle that they know not to share with their friends. Water fountains have always been a good place to get germs from, and now is no different.
Finally, talk to them about keeping their distance from others. Little kids, especially may have a hard time understanding why they are being encouraged to keep separated from their classmates.
What do I do if my child gets Coronavirus?
If you think your child is sick your best bet is to call your pediatrician and discuss it with them. Depending on the circumstances (and if there is testing available where you are) they may want to see you, or just have you treat your child at home. Please don’t send them to school if you think they may be sick.
Why do we care about Coronavirus?
While it’s true many people have little to no symptoms, there can be some big problems with those who do get very sick. In children specifically, they can get a rare syndrome called MIS-C that generally puts them in intensive care (see link below). And so far, in adults, besides the time in the hospital that some of them need, we have been seeing some long term effects. These effects have included brain fog, heart/lung/kidney/brain damage, chronic fatigue, achy joints, and continued loss of taste and smell.
Bottom line.
I know we’re all frustrated and tired of coronavirus, but it’s a real thing that can hurt you and/or your children. Yes, the risks are low of getting a horrible version of it, but the risks are there and are real. Keep safe.
Links.
Specific guidance for kids with chronic issues.
Helping kids get used to masks.
Lingering effects of Covid infection.
