The new coronavirus COVID-19 is a respiratory virus, the spread of which is presenting an unprecedented challenge for countries around the world. The speed at which the virus is spreading is alarming. Let’s have a look at the steps you can take in order to slow down the spread of coronavirus.

The first step to slow down the spread of the corona virus is to become less social, reduce close contact with each other as it will help stop the spread of disease. Avoid going to public areas, and places that have large gatherings. Moreover, businesses should be shut down and schools should be closed. When you are social distancing, it’s good to maintain a healthy routine and take time to focus on self-care.

While doctors are busy answering basic questions about COVID-19, parents have a lot of practical questions about how to keep their children safe. Kids are the most vulnerable members of the wider community. Let’s take a look at some expert advice regarding various questions asked by parents:

Can I take my kids to the playground?

No, it is not a good idea to go to a public playground. The virus is known to stay on hard surfaces, and it stays there for a longer time. Imagine if an infected kid played on that playground, and they coughed on the surface. Then another child crawls on that and rubs their hand on their face. This can easily spread the virus. The bottom line is to make sure your kids are playing at home instead of a public playground.

Can grandparents take care of kids?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, any contact between grandparents and grandchildren is very risky. People who are older than 60 years are at the highest risk of death due to this virus. If you have the option to stay at home with your kids, it is for the best because grandparents need special precautions. In short, grandparents should maintain a distance from their grandchildren as that is best for all.

My kid just got a fever. Should I go to the doctor for a test?

No. This is because there is no specific treatment children are going to get at the hospital. Even children who might carry the virus should be given proper care at home unless they are showing any signs of distress such as difficulty in breathing.

Some important tips to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Establish a routine. Don’t let social distancing disrupt your sleep cycle, working hours and other daily activities
• Wash your hands after every half an hour and keep yourself and your surrounding clean
• Make most out of social distancing. Take time to focus on your health, diet and physical activity levels
• Try to cook for yourself and those in need. Make sure you add more vegetables, fruits, Vitamins, and proteins to your diet. This is not the right time for dieting. Try to eat three healthy meals a day.
• Don’t skip exercise. Workout at home instead
• Don’t let social distancing lead to anxiety. Avoid over-eating or consuming drugs and alcohol. Don’t over-sleep. Instead, try to sleep 7-8 hours a day
• Working from home is an opportunity to be more productive. Don’t waste this opportunity. Finish your work on time, attend meetings and engage with co-workers with the same frequency as you used to do at the office.
• In order to ensure safety, engage in cleaning your house. Get rid of the garbage as it can lead to infections
• Don’t spend too much time on social media as misinformation can lead to anxiety

Which steps are you taking to stay safe? Share the details with us in the comments below.