Tips for keeping kids safe from COVID-19 this summer

With reports of kids at a day camp in Raleigh, North Carolina being exposed to the coronavirus, parents may wonder: how do I keep my kids safe?

Obviously healthy active kids, especially after sheltering in place for weeks, shouldn't be inside all day every day now that the weather is nice.

But parents do need to take some precautions - and teach their kids to do likewise.

Edward Hospital said that includes teaching kids to wash their hands often; to cover coughs and sneezes with a bent elbow; and not to touch their eyes, nose and mouth.

Also, everyone over age 2 should wear face coverings in public. All families should avoid crowded places and group gatherings.

Here are more safety tips from Edward Hospital:

Playgrounds

Practice social distancing in public parks and playgrounds.

Children should wash their hands after playing on equipment and avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth.

Have extra hand wipes and sanitizer gel on hand.

Swimming pools

Proper disinfection of the water should kill the virus that causes COVID-19.

Don’t share equipment like goggles and snorkels.

When not in the water, wear face coverings.

Keep an eye on kids at all times.

Cookouts

Wash hands before and after cooking.

Use a cooler, don’t leave food out for more than an hour, and cook meats properly.

Don't share food and utensils with anyone outside the household.

Supervise children around fires and grills to avoid burns.

Trampolines and bounce houses

Maintain adult supervision at all times.

Outdoor activities and protective gear

Make sure kids wear a proper-fitting helmet when riding a bike or scooter, rollerblading/roller skating and skateboarding.

Consider activities that promote social distancing: tennis, Frisbee, playing catch or kicking a soccer ball.

Make sure kids don’t share sports equipment with others outside their household.

Sun and heat.

Apply sunscreen to the child’s face and body to prevent sunburn. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is (at least) SPF 30.

Apply it 15-30 minutes before going outdoors, every two hours, and after swimming or sweating.

Minimize time in the heat, take regular cool-off breaks and encourage children to drink water regularly.

Parents should contact their child’s pediatrician if their child develops any skin rashes or signs of heat-related illness.

Insect bites.

Protective clothing and insect repellents can protect against insect bites and stings.

Check children’s heads and bodies for ticks after being outdoors.

Have an emergency care plan in place for known allergies.