Going back to school has become more challenging now than ever before. The global pandemic has kept us parents on our toes, always wanting to make sure our little ones—and the whole family—are safe from the COVID-19 virus.
But now that our children need to attend physical classes, how do we ensure that our home remains COVID-free? It’s important that (1) they are vaccinated (applicable to kids 5 years old and above) so they have another layer of protection, (2) you remind them of the precautions they need to take to avoid catching the virus, and (3) their school adheres to the safety guidelines set forth by government authorities and medical experts.
What about when the kids get home from school? We suggest these practices for you and your little bean:
1. Take off shoes before entering the house. Have a designated area where shoes can be disinfected.
A Healthline article in April 2020 mentioned that “a new study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that the novel coronavirus can live on the soles of shoes.” In the article, emergency physician Dr. Robert Glatter told Healthline that “Taking off your shoes and cleaning them before you enter your home (and leaving them in your garage, washroom, or porch) would also be advisable. This will prevent you from introducing virus into your home from a simple trip to the grocery store. Just make sure you clean them outside your home or apartment, and let them dry naturally.”
2. Disinfect these five items that kids bring home from school.
It’s better to be safe than sorry, mama! As we all know by now, the COVID-19 virus can remain for hours to days on different kinds of surfaces.
Infectious disease expert Dr. Sandra Kesh told CNET that a good rule of thumb is that anything your kids bring with them from school is potentially contaminated, and together with a cleaning expert, she listed these top 5 items to clean every day when your little learner gets home: electronic devices; backpacks; school supplies (books and other supplies); school clothes and shoes; and lunchboxes.
Also, if you are still unaware, cleaning and disinfecting are not interchangeable terms. Cleaning only removes dirt and germs. Disinfecting kills germs—and this should be our goal. So don’t forget to disinfect (with a cleaner that has at least 60 percent alcohol) your kid’s stuff before bringing them inside the safe haven that is your home!
3. Remove face mask and properly wash or dispose it of.
Schools will be requiring kids to wear a mask to protect them, so this must-wear accessory will be part of their school uniform now. The World Health Organization advises that children should wear a well-fitted mask that covers the nose, mouth, and chin. Cloth masks are recommended because they are usually made of cotton, which is more comfortable for kids especially when they need to wear a mask for long hours.
How often should you clean a cloth mask? The Strategist interviewed doctors about this topic and shared that all the medical practitioners they spoke to agreed that masks should be washed daily. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends the following specific care for reusable cloth masks:
- If your cloth mask is wet or dirty, put it in a sealed plastic bag until you can wash it. This will keep it from getting moldy.
- If your cloth mask is dry and clean, you can store it in a breathable bag (like a paper or mesh fabric bag) to keep it clean between uses in the same day.
- Cloth masks should be washed at least once a day or as soon as they become wet or dirty. You can either wash and dry your masks by hand or use a washer and dryer.
Masks can easily get soiled or wet when worn by kids, so it’s safe to put in extra 2 to 3 masks for them to use throughout the day. If your child is wearing a medical or surgical mask, safely discard it in a trash bin.
4. Wash or sanitize hands after removing mask.
The simple act of hand washing has been highlighted all the more during this pandemic. It’s a powerful way of protecting ourselves from the COVID-19 virus and other disease-causing germs. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently—including after removing any mask to prevent the spread of germs.
5. Shower and change into clean clothes before interacting with family.
Our kids have been exposed to different people at school and whether we like it or not, they are potential carrier of the virus and could bring home germs to other family members.
In a ParentsTogether live Q&A, emergency medicine physician Dr. Arabia Mollette advised that “kids should put their clothes in a bag to be laundered as soon as they get home, then head to the bathroom to take a shower or bath and change into clean clothes.”
In a few more days, our kids will be back in school. It’s understandable to be worried and praning, mama. Consult your child’s pediatrician for more helpful tips to keep your little one safe and healthy as they go back to a physical classroom.
