13 September 2021

Back to school

As we prepare to send our children back to school, we all have questions about how best to protect them from COVID-19. The impact of school closures on a child’s wellbeing is significant. Where possible, it’s important that children have an opportunity to socialize with their peers, to learn and to develop emotionally. Research to-date shows that…, 1. Should I send my child to school this year?, The short answer is, whenever open, yes. School closures have been shown to negatively impact child health and wellbeing, as well as their learning. The risk to children when returning to in-person school – even with new variants – is low when the school, staff and teachers follow COVID-19 recommended precautions and where safety protocols around…, 2. How do I prepare my child for school?, Remind your child about all the fun and exciting things the back-to-school will bring, such as the time with their friends and their teachers, their routine and activities. Talk about the best ways to stay safe against COVID-19, including by keeping their hands clean, practicing physical distancing and covering their mouths and noses if they cough…, 3. What if my child is nervous to go back to school?, Children may be experiencing anxiety with the prospect of returning to school. Keep an eye out for signs of stress and encourage your child to talk openly about their concerns. Reassure them that the school is doing their best to protect everyone from COVID-19 and we all can do our part. Remember to be honest and understanding about their feelings…, 4. What if my child is sick?, If your child is showing any signs of illness, such as a fever, stuffy nose, sore throat, or a cough, it is best not to send them to school. Follow your school policy and seek medical advice if necessary. On the other hand, if your child has had contact with a person infected with COVID-19, make sure to keep him/her at home following local public…, 5. Should I be taking any extra precaution, including when my child is back home from the school?, Schools should be prepared to be a safe place for children and their families. Ask your child or the teacher to keep you informed about activities that may put them in close contact with others. In general, if schools are implementing the recommended safety measures, you should not be concerned about their return to home. However, if you or anyone…, 6. What if my child becomes sick at school?, If your child shows COVID-19 symptoms at school, the teacher or school staff must act quickly. Parents should be contacted immediately to evaluate the actions to be taken according to the guidelines of the local health authorities. Get in contact with your child’s doctor to evaluate the need to perform a COVID-19 test and keep the school informed…, 7. What if my child’s classmate or teacher gets sick at school?, If the school informs you that your child’s classmate or teacher tested positive for COVID-19, monitor your child’s symptoms and follow the self-isolation recommendations from your local health authorities. Seek medical care if your child shows COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, or tiredness. Keep in touch with the school to receive…, 8. Can children with asthma, obesity, diabetes and other health conditions go back to school?, The answer depends on the current condition of the child, the situation of COVID-19 in their community and the safety measures implemented by the school. Make sure the school is implementing safety protocols that include handwashing, distancing and ventilation. Although, in most cases, children are asymptomatic or develop mild symptoms when they…