As the virus rages on more than one year after it was first discovered, it has charted a path of devastation for many loved ones. Apart from the elderly, the younger ones are also at risk, especially young babies who have yet to fully develop their immune systems. Even with the vaccines available, they are not recommended to be administered to children below 16 years of age. This means that it will take some time before any vaccine can be tested and proven to be safe for use for younger and vulnerable age groups. How have you been protecting your children against this deadly virus, and do you think you can do more? Read on for some essential steps you should already be taking, or should consider doing. 

• Wash Their Hands 

Children tend to be active explorers, grabbing whatever they can find with their hands, whether at home or outside. This can increase their exposure to viruses. Make sure that your children wash their hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Otherwise, ensure that they use a 70% alcohol-based sanitiser. Take note to avoid over-washing or over-sanitising as this can cause a reverse effect. If your child is below 6 years old, supervise them when they use a sanitiser. 

• Choose a House Call Doctor 

Would you risk your child contracting the virus in the same space at a clinic or hospital? When you decide to send your child to the doctor, you take on the possibility of the virus being transmitted to them. Opt for a house call doctor so that your child can receive professional medical treatment in the safety of home. Eliminate long waiting times and increased chances of catching the virus in a confined space. 

• Limit Interaction With Others 

The longer your child hangs around someone else, the higher the chances of the virus spreading. While playtime, for example, is important for a child’s development, limit the time spent. Maintain a safe distance from others and try to organise playdates outside of a confined space that has less ventilation and where it is more difficult to keep people apart. Avoid any sharing of utensils, food and drinks with others as well. Remind others that your child interacts with to practice daily preventive measures for the safety of all. If the other person is unwell, advise them to ring up a house call doctor and avoid meeting with them. 

• Mask Up 

If your child is 2 years old and above, it is highly recommended that he/she wears a mask whenever out and about. Even though mask-wearing may not be feasible in every situation, doing so consistently can help to minimise the spread of viruses. 

• Clean and Disinfect High-Contact Surfaces Regularly 

Identify the high-contact areas at home like doorknobs, remotes, tables, toilets, sinks and switches. Make it a point to clean and disinfect these areas daily. You can also wash your child’s toys or other things used or played with often to ensure a clean home. Although these actions may seem tedious at first, such preventive measures can go a long way, whether COVID-19 or not.