Keeping Your Family Safe During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Expert Advice from Dr. Virloy Lewin, Health Promotion Coordinator at the Department of Health The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has upended family life around the world. School closures, working remote, physical distancing — it’s a lot to navigate for anyone, but especially for parents. Even with the emergence of the COVID-19 vaccine, it will be some time before we see a return to some level of normality (or new normal). However that doesn’t mean you are helpless, to get through the COVID-19 outbreak, family members must remain the essential source of support by helping all family members to feel safe, positive and maintain a healthy mind. There are several things that can be done to protect yourself and your family.
Follow Recommended Preventative Actions: According to the CDC guidelines, good hygiene, physical distancing, and wearing a mask in public spaces are some of the best preventive measures to avoid getting COVID-19. • I t’s important that you wash your hands frequently. Soap and water are most effective, but hand sanitizers that are at least 60% alcohol are also effective at killing coronavirus. • Staying at least six feet apart from others whenever possible.
• Explain and demonstrate hand washing to your child. • B e a good role model. Children are likely to follow what they see the adults practice. • T each your children how and why they need to practice physical distance—keeping a distance of 6 feet—when being out in public spaces.
Promote Physical Health: While being healthy will not prevent you from getting sick, your recovery may be easier if you have a strong immune system. Set a positive example by leading an active lifestyle yourself and making physical activity a part of your family’s daily routine. Any kind of movement done three or four times a week for at least twenty minutes, can be beneficial for your health: this can be walking, running, dancing, yoga, or whatever inspires you to move. Regular physical activity can improve your child’s physical and mental health. Ensure your child stays active every day while taking everyday preventive actions. Here are some things that you can do to assist in maintaining your family’s physical health:
• M ask wearing is not advised for children under the age of two, but children above age two can wear simple cloth masks, as long as they have no health conditions that prevent them from doing so.
• P ractice outdoor activities (while physical distancing), such as bike rides, skating and walks.
Children need time and consistency when adapting to a new routine. Here are some tips to help implement preventive actions in their lives:
• P ractice healthy nutrition, avoid processed meals and maintain your vegetable and fruit intake
• E xplain the importance of hand washing to children — why it is so efficient to stop the virus from spreading. 6 Island Property News • Family Safety & Security 2021 • www.ipn.bm
• P ractice activities at home with your children, such as yoga and improvised dancing.
