September is directly linked to going back to school, isn't it? However, this year we are doing it differently, with many peculiarities, some fear and uncertainty, and with a recurring topic of conversation among parents: Covid.
Experts and the educational community indicate that the key lies in prevention and safety. But what does this mean? We provide you with the measures recommended by the World Health Organization and by various epidemiologist and pediatrician specialists:
- School entrances and exits are points of population concentration, so it is very import
- ant to stagger arrivals to avoid crowds and facilitate the maintenance of safety distances.
- At the school, a room must be set aside to provide an isolated and comfortable space in case anyone feels ill during the school day. The sick person should remain in this space until they go to the emergency room or home.
- It is essential to create an exhaustive protocol for handwashing, mask use, cleaning, and disinfection.
- It is recommended to ventilate classrooms by opening doors and windows for at least 5 minutes every hour.
- For children over 6 years old, the use of hygienic masks approved by the Spanish Association for Standardization is mandatory. If the child has any pathology, it is advisable to use FFP2 masks.
- Hygiene must be reinforced after returning to school: they must take off the shoes they used at school and leave them at the front door; they must wash their hands thoroughly or shower completely; they must change their clothes and air out the clothes they wore to school by exposing them to the sun.
- It is advisable for children to carry one or two spare masks as they will have to change them every four hours or they may suffer some damage or breakage.
- It is a good idea to mark the masks with the child's name to avoid confusion and exchanging them with a classmate.
- Have an extra bag or pencil case to store their anti-covid utensils (hand sanitizer, disposable tissues, and masks).
With this and everyone's commitment, we can have a safer and more responsible return to school. Are you up for the challenge?
