COVID-19: 5 Risky Places That Parents Should Avoid Bringing Their Children

Thinking about safe places to bring your children during this (ongoing) pandemic? As we all are aware, we are still battling the deadly COVID-19 virus that is still spreading viciously around us. As a responsible parent, you should take a great precaution of your children’s safety! Photo Credit: Adobe Stock Did you know that children who are 10 years old and older have the same chance of spreading the virus as an adult? This is because they have less immune system protection due to their age which is yet to develop stronger. So, what should you do? Hop on parents, get in charge! These are the TOP 5 Risky Places that Parents Should AVOID Bringing Their Children Crowded Night Market Photo Credit: Soya Cincau Yes, it is true we can’t resist the temptatious food of the night market but you don’t have to bring your children here! The layout and setting of the stalls are cramped and CROWDED. Majority of people in the community will gather at night markets to buy food and drinks, so there will be a lot of people in one place. Hence, this situation is very dangerous for your children because the transmission of the virus is very high. Public Swimming Pools Photo Credit: New Straits Times Minister of Defence Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob announced the opening of public swimming pools like condominiums, hotels, private swimming pools, water and theme park, lakes and rivers. The strict SOP will be applied per usual and water testing will be done consistently. However, this doesn’t mean parents should just bring your children to this place simply because public swimming pools can be overfilled with people that we might not know is the carrier of the virus! Thus, the safer alternative would be a private swimming pool which can only fit your children and family. Indoor Playground Photo Credit: Asia One Yes, your children need to have fun but an indoor playground is a place that you should avoid. Indoor playgrounds have air-conditioners because it is usually set in a shopping mall. The air circulation inside the shopping mall can increase the spread of the virus within a closely packed area. The size of an indoor playground is not big or wide enough for your kids to apply social distancing with other children. Kids also love to interact and play with other peers so it will be hard to manage the distance. A safer option to bring your kids to play is at an outdoor playground or recreation park, where it is easier to adhere to social distancing. Hair Salon Photo Credit: New Straits Times Yes, it is true that many hair salons are open now during RMCO as it is allowed by the government guidelines of SOP. However, I encourage you to not bring your kids to the salon if there is no necessity for it. The hairdresser needs to touch your children’s hair. Even though they are wearing gloves, face mask, and operating according to the SOP, but there is still a high risk for your children to be infected. Do your kids need a haircut? You should be the hairdresser at home! Worry not, this option will be a safer way to prevent COVID-19 and you can learn an easy way to trim and cut your children’s hair from this YouTube video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?vHte804NzRM4 Public Transportation Ride Photo Credit: Twitter @Realoilsheikh This is a BIG NO. In Malaysia, the space in public transport is not as big compared to other countries. If you are planning to go out with your family, it would be a smart choice to use your car. You should not let your children take a small and a crowded bus, LRT, MRT or Monorail (especially during peak hour!). Peak hour is definitely not safe for your children to be in public transportation because of the increased amount of working people that can surge the risk of infection! So, limit your children's exposure to the places that can potentially transmit the virus. #StayAtHome if you don't have any necessities to go out! Don't forget to educate your kids on SOPs' guidelines: Use a proper face mask if you need to go out in public places. Remain 1 meter of social distancing with the people around you. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth before washing your hands. Remember to wash your hands frequently! These simple steps will help your kids understand the risks of the deadly COVID-19. Meanwhile, you can check out this article on how to choose a proper and safe mask to wear daily.

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