Caring for children with special needs is very hands-on, which makes practicing social distancing difficult for caregivers and parents. With many schools being closed, here’s how you can reduce your child’s risk of contracting the coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19 spreads very quickly through:
- The air, after coughing or sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as when shaking hands or touching others
- Touching an object or surface on which the virus is found
Common signs of infection include:
- Respiratory symptoms
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath and breathing difficulties
What to do at home:
- Keep your child away from people and pets as much as possible
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Throw the tissue away and then wash their hands straight away
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol
- Do not allow visitors into your home, whether it is other children or adults
- If possible, your child should stay in a bedroom and use a bathroom separate from other people in your home
- Use separate dishes, glasses, cups, and eating utensils and do not share these with other household members
- Wash clothing, bedding, towels and cutlery with detergent on the hottest temperature possible
- Every day, use a household cleaner or wipe to clean objects like doorknobs, light switches, toys, remote controls, sink handles, counters, and phones
- Make sure shared spaces in the home have good air flow. Open a window or turn on an air filter or air conditioner
Regularly check http://www.nicd.ac.za/ and https://www.who.int/ for up-to-date, reliable information about the coronavirus.