ASIDE from the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions, the other sectors vulnerable to COVID-19 transmission are children and schools. Actions to be taken must mitigate the possible negative impacts on children’s learning and wellbeing. This means having solid plans in place to ensure the continuity of learning, including remote learning options. These plans should also include necessary steps for the eventual safe reopening of schools.
But parents should take the lead in educating their children and other household members on self-protection measures against COVID-19. They should use every opportunity to make their families, especially young children, critically aware of COVID-19 and the basic steps to avoid being exposed to the virus.
As advised by the Department of Health, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, the following essential everyday self-protection measures should be observed by all members of the family, especially children:
* Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.
* If you cannot wash your hands, use alcohol-based hand rubs at the earliest opportunity.
* When coughing or sneezing, cover the mouth and nose with bent elbow rather than hands or use a tissue, and properly dispose of the used tissue.
* Keep at least one meter distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
* Avoid touching the face, particularly eyes, nose and mouth, with hands that have not been washed or cleaned.
* Avoid crowded places and keep away from others who are unwell.
* Boost resistance by eating fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of water.
Parents must also ensure that frequently touched objects and surfaces such as door knobs, light switches, remote controls, tables and chairs are frequently cleaned and disinfected using appropriate household cleaners and disinfectants.
Additionally, all must remember the importance of ecologically managing household waste; improper disposal can put families and communities at risk of other preventable diseases.
Yes, ecological solid waste management (ESWM) can help prevent cholera, dengue, gastroenteritis, leptospirosis, typhoid fever and other diseases, and thus protect and improve public health. The ESWM Act of 2000 provides for a comprehensive and eco-friendly approach to managing discards sans open dumping, open burning and waste incineration.
Waste prevention, reduction, segregation at source, reuse, recycling and composting will go a long way in building clean and healthy homes and communities.
