By: Corinn Cross, MD, FAAP
Families are gradually returning to some of the activities that paused when the COVID-19 pandemic began. With the virus still spreading, however, it is important for everyone to continue social distancing.
Social distancing means keeping physical space between yourself and other people outside your household. It is a vital step in helping to slow the spread of this virus. Here’s why:
“Social distancing” for all families
COVID-19 spreads easily through physical contact from person to person. This is why it is important to reduce the ways people come in close contact with one another. An effective way to do this is to stay home as much as possible and avoid crowded, public places where it is difficult to keep a safe space between people.
Many communities have limits on how many people can attend events and gatherings or enter restaurants and bars. And many schools and universities have reduced close contact by providing online learning. When close interaction with others is likely, such as essential trips to the grocery store or gas station, or at a gathering, the CDC recommends wearing a cloth face covering over your mouth and nose and staying at least 6 feet away from others.
Self-Isolation
COVID-19 can spread from person to person even before symptoms start. So, if someone in your family starts to feel even slightly ill, run down, tired, or achy, it’s important to stay home and practice “self isolation.” This means limiting contact with others. If more severe symptoms develop, like a fever, cough or shortness of breath, call your doctor. They will let you know if a COVID-19 test is needed, and what the next stepsshould be. If it is believed someone in your family has COVID-19, quarantine will likely be recommended.
Quarantine
Self-isolation and quarantine both mean you have no contact with the public. However, quarantine is the term used if you were in close contact (within about 6 feet) of a person with COVID-19 but have yet to test positive. These people are asked to stay away from others for 14 days or longer, to make sure they do not spread the virus during this “pre-illness” or incubation period.
Why social distancing is important
Social distancing in indoor and outdoor spaces is an essential way to slow down the spread of COVID-19. And it’s important to keep following social distancing recommendations in your community, whether you’re in one of the high-risk groups or not.
With limited camp and child care options and people working from home, it may be tempting to let kids gather together. But social distancing only works if we all participate. And slowing down or preventing the spread of the virus will save lives.
Remember
As COVID-19 continues to spread, it is important to follow recommendations of federal, state, and local governments to protect all of us from getting sick. Many people who become infected have mild symptoms similar to a cold or the flu, and children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. Recently, there have been reports of children who have developed a rare illness called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), that may be associated with COVID-19. Scientists are working to understand this new syndrome.
We all are responsible for protecting those at higher risk. Steps like social distancing and wearing cloth face coverings may feel like an inconvenience, but it’s the best way right now to protect our family, friends, and neighbors who may be vulnerable. If you are concerned that someone in your family may be at higher risk, you can contact your doctor to discuss what preventative measures may be appropriate for you.
More Information
- 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Age-Based Tips to Help Juggle Parenting & Working at Home During COVID-19
- Getting Children Outside While Social Distancing
- Positive Parenting & COVID-19: 10 Tips to Help Keep the Calm at Home
- Hand-Washing: A Powerful Antidote to Illness
About Dr. Cross
Corinn Cross, MD FAAP, is an American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) spokesperson, an active member the academy’s Council on Communications and Media, a Member-At-Large of her local California AAP Chapter-2 and a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Last Updated 7/6/2020Source American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2020)The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
