As anyone knows, coronavirus is spreading at an alarming rate throughout major US cities, leading many public events to be canceled. School is no exception. Many schools are switching to online learning or shutting down for the near future. As a parent potentially working from home with kids who are now off from school or learning at home, how can you keep them and yourself healthy?
The CDC and WHO have both provided excellent guidelines for safety and health during the outbreak situation. The best way to keep yourself and your family healthy is to listen and follow the advice of experts in the healthcare field. Let’s take a look at what the CDC is recommending to combat COVID-19.
#COVID19 is forcing schools to shut down, leaving parents at home with their kids. How can you keep both safe? Learn what the experts say here. #WoodlandsTreeHouse #coronavirus Share on X
Stay Home as Much as Possible
As of March 18, Houston hasn’t issued a citywide order to completely quarantine at home. However, most health experts and officials recommend not leaving unless you have to. Employers are making this easier for workers by allowing remote work and many schools are following suit, canceling classes or shifting them online. Not only does this lower your risk of exposure, but it also ensures that you won’t unknowingly pass on the virus yourself. Prepare to spend a lot of time at home in the coming weeks.
Wash Your Hands & Your House
The CDC’s handwashing guidelines have never been more useful. Keep your hands clean and encourage your kids to practice excellent hygiene as well, especially if you suspect someone in your home is sick or has been exposed. But don’t stop with just washing your hands. Any shared areas–such as kitchen countertops, sinks, toilets, or bathtubs–also require frequent sanitization. Use scientifically-backed cleaning products to ensure that the virus is truly dead.
Pro Tip: Don’t be fooled by “miracle cures” for coronavirus. The best way to stay safe right now is to maintain excellent hygiene and take measures to quarantine anyone displaying symptoms.
Keep an Eye Out for Symptoms
Monitor you and your family’s symptoms to ensure no one has contracted coronavirus. Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Shortness of breath (with breathing difficulty in severe cases)
If someone in your family experiences these symptoms, your first priority should be quarantining them. Have them wear masks and stay in their room as much as possible, limiting contact with others and even with pets as much as they can. Sanitize shared surfaces on a daily basis and take extra care when washing your hands. If you feel like you must visit a doctor, call ahead to tell them you’re bringing in a COVID-19 patient so they can prepare for your arrival or direct you to a more prepared facility. Take no chances with the virus.
Stay Safe!
Coronavirus spreads quickly, but with proper precautions, you can protect yourself and your family from the worst of the effects. Maintain excellent hygiene and minimize your exposure to others to prevent further spread of the disease. As you prepare for schools to open again, make sure you’ve instilled these good habits in your kids to help curb any further outbreak.
Join the conversation to learn more about what Woodlands Tree House is doing to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.