How Children Can Stay Safe From COVID-19

As coronavirus continues to ravage the world, schools have been forced to close with the children now staying home to continue learning.

Since the outbreak of the virus in the country Nigeria has experienced a higher level of spread across 19 states.

As of 18 April, the number of cases in the country stood at 592 With 166 discharged persons.

Following the continuing spread of the deadly virus, the Nigeria Centre For Disease Control(NCDC) has rolled out tips on how parents can empower thier children to safeguard themselves from the virus.

• Have an honest conversation with your children about why they are at home and cannot go to school or out to places as they usually go to.

• Ask them what they know about the coronavirus, how they feel about it and why.

• Explain the seriousness of the disease to them.

• Explain how the disease is spread to them.

• Reassure and teach them how to protect themselves.

• Practice what you teach them (Model the behaviours you want them to learn).

On teaching the kids how to protect themselves against the disease, parents are advised do the following:

• Wash their hands regularly with soap under running water for 20 seconds (practice with them)

• Maintain physical distance outdoors of at least 2 meters always to prevent the spread of the virus.

• Cough or sneeze into a tissue and throw away or into their bent elbow when they cannot find a tissue.

• Avoid touching their mouth, nose and ears with unwashed hands.

• Avoid going out to play with friends for now.

• Avoid visiting neighbours

• Stay away from large crowd.