With fewer people wearing masks and physical distancing no longer required, you may have concerns about the increased risk of your child getting sick with COVID-19 – especially if they are spending time in a communal setting like daycare. Though there’s no way to ensure they won’t get sick, here are a few things you can do.
Keep sick kids at home
If you or your child do show signs of illness, such as a cough, fever or sore throat, it’s best to stay home until everyone feels better. Staying home will help your child rest and feel better faster, but also help to prevent spreading germs to other people. That’s setting a good example.
Get your vaccines
COVID-19 isn’t the only virus circulating this fall and winter. With fewer people using individual public health measures such as masking, we may see more of the seasonal flu. Did you know you and your child can get both the COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccines at the same time? It’s not only convenient to get both together, but also safe, and it can help protect against severe outcomes from both viruses. COVID-19 vaccines are now approved in Canada for everyone 6 months and older.
Remember hand hygiene
We may have gotten used to frequent handwashing and using hand sanitizer. But children can forget. Caregivers should be vigilant in reminding kids to clean their hands and have the proper supplies readily available. Staff should also regularly sanitize high-contact surfaces and have a regular schedule for cleaning toys and other items that kids touch.
Continue to wear a mask in public indoor settings
Properly wearing a well-constructed, well-fitting mask or respirator in public indoor settings continues to be recommended for COVID-19 for adults and children over the age of five years. Masks may also be used as an added layer of protection against RSV and the flu.
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