COVID-19 Guidance for Families
Whether or not your community has a stay-at-home order in place, the best way to protect your family is to stay home as much as possible and limit your exposure to COVID-19.
Even at home, it is still important to take steps to stay healthy:
-
Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
-
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
-
Clean surfaces and items that are touched often by family members.
-
Listen to guidance from your local public health department and trusted partners.
What should I do if I think my child or teen has been exposed to COVID-19?
Children do not appear to be at higher risk than adults for getting COVID-19, but there is still much to learn about the virus. Watch your child for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, like a cough, fever, shortness of breath, or a rash. Some children may also get stomach pain, throw up, or have diarrhea. Symptoms can be different for each child.
Children may need more attention now than ever. They can sense anxiety in adults. Spend time with them in imaginative play.
It is important to teach children how to protect themselves from COVID-19 and other illnesses by washing their hands often and wearing a face mask. Be a good role model.
Help your kids stay connected to friends and family by allowing them to interact in a safe virtual environment.
Limit their exposure to the news and to negative online comments, bullying, and trolling. Your positive messages can help them keep things in perspective.