The school plays an essential role in a child’s development, helping them learn how to interact positively with other students and teachers. The COVID-19 pandemic forced many schools to close down to provide safety and protect children’s health. Despite the recent surge in cases and a change to the state risk level, most Fresno schools are open and planning to stay open.
Jim Yovino, Fresno County’s Superintendent of Schools, says the changing risk level won’t close campuses.
“For those who have reopened and have students, I don’t see this having a major effect on their schools not staying open,” he said recently.
COVID-19 is mostly spread by respiratory droplets released when people talk, cough, or sneeze. Personal prevention practices such as handwashing and social distancing are very critical in staying safe during this pandemic in return to school.
If your child has now started going back to school, here are some steps you can take to ensure their health and safety.
Although some schools will take temperatures at the door, it is best to make sure that your child doesn’t have a fever before entering the school premises. If your child is feverish, they should stay home until their temperature goes back to normal.
Children need to hear from their parents that masks are one of the best ways to protect themselves from getting COVID-19. You can teach your child how to wear their masks properly. Be sure that they remove their masks using the ear straps instead of the fabric for optimal hygiene. Plan to supply your child with extra masks for school in case they need it.
Whether they are at home or school, your child needs to learn how to wash their hands properly. Establish consistent house rules about hand washing. Constantly remind your child to wash their hands before and after eating, before they leave for school, and before coming home from outside.
Your child can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it. Regular handwashing with soap and water is still the recommended method of cleaning your child’s hands. But if it’s not readily available, your child can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Using hand sanitizer after touching surfaces such as railings and doorknobs can protect your child from the coronavirus.
Children may be less symptomatic, but they can also easily spread germs and viruses in your home. When your child comes home from school, make sure they shower and change their clothes.
As parents, you only want what’s best for your child. Their safety is your number one priority. With all the uncertainty and anxiety that comes with the dangers of COVID-19, your child will need you to help them every step of the way when the schools reopen.
Children’s Medical Centers of Fresno provide quality healthcare to children of the Central Valley. Schedule your child’s appointment today and learn more about how you can better protect your child when it’s time to return to school.
