![Summer Health Safety Tips for Kids during the COVID-19 Pandemic [Video]](//videos.ctfassets.net/plyq12u1bv8a/2ctLpRMYrKxWTLjNT7E7uf/ea8d2c8213faeaab011f4690164e15b3/COVID-19-From_the_Frontlines-_Keeping_Kids_Safe_During_Summer.mp4)
Video Transcript
“Hi everyone! This is Dr. Stephanie Camaglia Reznick. I'm a board certified internist and one of the doctors on call available through Oscar. On today's segment on COVID-19, also known as the novel coronavirus, I'm going to be discussing some tips that might be helpful during the summer.
Summer might bring a return to daycare, summer camp, or more frequent playdates. More exposures to people outside the household means more potential exposures to COVID-19 but there are many things you can do to decrease the risk of you or your child catching the virus.
First, I want to remind you that children might have few or no symptoms at all but still be able to pass on the virus. This is important to remember before visiting those who might be at high risk for complications if they were to catch the virus like perhaps a child's grandparents. Also, keep in mind that some children are also at increased risk of complications if they were to catch COVID-19. If your child has medical conditions where you have any concerns, please consider talking to your pediatrician.
Alternatives to in-person activities during the summer can include virtual classes and virtual playdates. In general, the tips to help keep your children safe are the same ones that are applied to adults as well.
Hand-washing is really important. Teaching your kids to sing the ABCs, count slowly to 20, or just sing the Happy Birthday song while washing their hands with soap and water can help encourage them to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds. Using hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol can also be helpful but it's best reserved for older children who won't immediately put their hands in their mouths.
Masks are also important but they must be taken on and off appropriately. The CDC has a lot of good resources for this but I'll briefly review here. When putting on a mask, make sure to wash your hands first for 20 seconds. You want the mask to cover your nose and your mouth and to sit underneath your chin and then you also want it to fit snugly on the sides of your face. Of course, you also want to be able to breathe.
Children under two years old or those who have difficulty breathing while wearing a mask or are unable to take off a mask quickly if need be should not be wearing a mask. When taking off the mask, make sure to touch it only by either the ear loops or the ties behind the head. Immediately put the mask in the washing area or washing machine and wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water. Do not touch your face or eyes before washing your hands.
When washing the mask, you can use your regular washing machine and detergent and even wash the mask with your other laundry. Just use the highest possible water temperature setting. If hand-washing the mask, make a solution of 4 tablespoons of bleach mixed with 4 cups (that's 1 quart) of room-temperature water. The masks should soak for 5 minutes and then be rinsed with cold or room temperature water.
In addition to masks, social distancing can be very important and decrease your risk of catching the virus. Social distancing is often defined as to stay at least 6 feet away from others and of course that's ideal. In situations such as camps or playdates, try to keep your children interacting with a consistent group of kids and counselors or teachers or caretakers. This will limit the number of people outside of the household that your child is exposed to thereby decreasing their chance of catching the virus.
You might notice a lot of camps are following this procedure by having smaller groups than in past years and having a consistent counselor for your child.
In addition, they may stagger the location or timing of drop-off and pickup in order to decrease the number of people exposed to each other. Make sure to have your child bring their own water bottle and instruct them not to share food, water bottles, or utensils with other children. Camps that are held outside or in well-ventilated areas will be at the lower risk of having the virus spread.
I hope you found this information helpful. Have a happy safe summer! I'll see you next time.”
Video published 2020-06-28
This content does not constitute medical advice and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, including diagnosis or treatment. Contact your physician with any questions you may have regarding COVID-19 or your personal health. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance.
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