Coronavirus: How to protect your child when doing activities outside

With the recent news of UAE nurseries closing down on March 1st and all UAE schools to close for the next 4 weeks starting this Sunday, it can be difficult not to give in to a slight tinge of apprehension about going outside. It is important to note, however, that these recent decisions by both the UAE Ministry of Education and KHDA are a precautionary measure against the coronavirus infection and not to panic.

So whether you and your family are planning to head out to the mall, join a playdate or check out one of March's events, follow some simple safety measures advised by the World Health Organization to protect yourself and your children:

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

Know when it is necessary to wear a mask. If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection. Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing. Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.

Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website, and follow the Ministry of Health and Prevention for updates in the UAE.