The world is currently grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused widespread concern and anxiety among people, especially those with young children. To curb the spread of the virus, many schools have temporarily closed, and students have been asked to stay home.
While this is a necessary precaution, it is important to remember that eventually, the pandemic will be brought under control, and students will return to school to continue their education. In the meantime, it is crucial for parents to educate their children about the importance of personal hygiene and provide them with the tools they need to protect themselves when they eventually go back to school.
Here are some key reminders that parents should keep in mind and communicate to their children:
1 Wear a Mask at All Times
Wear a mask to protect yourself and others
Even when the pandemic is under control, it is crucial to continue wearing masks to prevent the spread of the virus. As COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, wearing a mask can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Students should be reminded to always wear their masks, avoid gathering in large groups, and maintain a safe distance from their peers.
To ensure a smooth transition back to school, parents should work closely with the school administration and provide their children with the necessary masks and other protective equipment.
2 Frequent Hand Washing
Schools are crowded places, and the risk of infection is high. Therefore, it is essential to teach children proper hand hygiene before they return to school. Students should be provided with hand sanitizer or soap, and they should be encouraged to wash their hands frequently, especially before eating and after using the restroom. Proper handwashing with soap or sanitizer for at least 20 seconds can significantly reduce the spread of germs.
3 Avoid Touching Common Surfaces
Children are naturally curious and tend to touch various objects. Even though schools will disinfect surfaces, bacteria and viruses can still linger. Students should be reminded to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth after touching common surfaces. Additionally, they should wash their hands immediately after touching surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, desks, and plants, as these are breeding grounds for bacteria.
4 Do Not Share Personal Items
This is an essential reminder, especially for younger students. Personal items such as masks, water bottles, and cutlery (for students who have school lunch) should never be shared. Respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, can be transmitted through saliva, so sharing personal items increases the risk of infection. Parents should emphasize the importance of not sharing and not borrowing items from peers.
5 Follow Teachers’ and School Instructions
When students return to school, they should follow the instructions of their teachers and the school administration. If a student is feeling unwell, they should immediately inform their teacher. Students should also limit their movement within the school premises and avoid touching surfaces unnecessarily.
These reminders are crucial for students’ safety as they return to school. While older students may understand and remember these guidelines, younger students may need more frequent and detailed reminders. It is important to instill these habits in children now so that they can feel confident and safe when they eventually return to their classrooms.
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