The coronavirus pandemic managed to change our lives drastically. Everyone was forced to shift to online platforms as the virus was spreading like fire throughout the world. One section of people who ended up suffering the most in this pandemic was the population of children.
Children have been taught to study in schools by being there physically for as long as one can remember. 5 years back no one would have believed that the same children who threw tantrums for waking up early in the morning to go to school would be studying in online classes from home regularly. As impossible as it sounds, proper tips for students during pandemic helped them pull it off.
However, availing of the online platform for teaching kids has always been considered a temporary solution to educational issues that the pandemic brought forward. Hence, one should never let their kids get too accustomed to the virtual schools – they are bound to open soon.
Although it would be incorrect to state that schools would function normally as they used to before the pandemic broke out. If through all these months in the corona outbreak we have learned something, it is that the waves are extremely unpredictable. Hence, even when the schools open physically shortly – one should always follow safety tips to ensure safety and protection from the virus.
Here are a few safety tips for students during pandemic returning to school:
1. Get Vaccinated
Eligible children should always be vaccinated before going back to school. This is one of the first and most important safety tips that one should ensure before kids start going to school again. Since high schools and preschools in Mumbai are a few of the most crowded areas where many children meet and greet, the chances of the virus spreading go up manifolds.
Getting vaccinated has proven to be a successful option to ensure the prevention of catching the virus. The vaccine for preschoolers is still in development, and the ones for children who fall in the age group of 15 to 18 years old are in the market now. One of the best ways to shield the body from contracting covid-19 is getting vaccinated; hence do not go to school without getting jabbed!
2. Social Distancing
One of the most practiced mechanisms to prevent the spread of the virus has been efficient social distancing. While it is understandable that controlling enthusiastic kids is not an easy task, educating them about safe social distancing is essential to safeguard their health.
Everyone has a role in maintaining social distancing amongst kids. For instance, preschools in Mumbai promote social distancing by decreasing the number of children in a specific classroom, lessening the number of students in a school bus, and ensuring that students always have one-way traffic in the hallway of the school. The parents, on the other hand, can promote social distancing by educating them about its importance before sending them to school.
3. Masks
Unless there is a serious medical condition involved, wearing masks should be mandatory for all children in school. Hence, it happens to be one of the most important safety tips to be followed before a kid is sent back to school – educating them about the essence of using a mask.
If possible, teaching the children about the benefit of double masking can also help them better understand the importance of wearing one. Since the masks act as the crucial shield between the entry point of the body of the virus and the virus itself, the child must know the importance of wearing them all the time in the outdoor as well as indoor premises of the school.
4. Hygiene
If there has been any positive effect of the coronavirus epidemic, it has been the induced feeling of always staying hygienic. Hence, ensuring that the kids know about the importance of a hygienic environment is essential.
Taking small hygienic steps like washing hands at regular intervals, making sure not to touch any railing or fence unnecessarily, and so on can help ensure that the children do not contract the covid-19 virus from such places. Since it is an extremely contagious disease, the children must be educated about the importance of staying hygienic before going back to school.
Conclusion
It is an extremely dangerous myth that children do not get infected by a coronavirus. They need as much protection as an adult does – if not more. Hence, kids in preschools in Mumbai must be taught the necessary points and promote keeping the tips mentioned above in their mind before enrolling back in school.
It is also understandable that making kids understand to practice social distancing and forcing them to wear mask always is an extremely tough job. Hence, parents and authorities too should try and create a safe environment from their end to ensure the safety of the children. Keep the above-mentioned tips for students during pandemic in mind before going back to school!
