Coronavirus: How to protect your child when doing activities outside

With the recent news of a new discovery of  Covid-19 in Egypt as of March 1st, it can be difficult not to give in to a slight tinge of apprehension about going outside. It is important to note, however, that it is crucial not to panic. So whether you and your family are planning to head out to a play area, join a playdate or check out one of March’s many 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 meter (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. Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO's official Facebook page.