From Monday, May 18, children are allowed to have a break from quarantine after more than two months of being in strict lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as announced by the President of the Republic of Peru Martín Vizcarra.

However, before that day, you need to prepare your children giving them some instructions on their first day outside, such as commenting on the new coronavirus. If it is a small child, the explanation will be brief, simple, and direct, while if it is an older child, you can provide more details.

“Talk to your child days before to be aware of the situation. Explain to them that in the street they should not touch anything that is not disinfected, they will wear a facemask, and the short walk outside will be with mom or dad”, says Mary Castro, Psychologist at the Clínica Ricardo Palma.

Tell them without fear and with confidence that they will take a short walk to enjoy the light of day, so they will focus on it. Advise them that they will maintain social distancing between you and others. If they are surprised to see people on the street wearing facemasks, explain that, like you, they are also protecting themselves from the virus.

“Children understand when we explain things to them in advance. If we tell them that it will only be for 30 minutes, bearing in mind that by the 30th minute we should be home, they will accept it”, says Dr. Castro.

Regarding the security measures taken to avoid contagion in children, Yuri Cutipé, Director of the Mental Health Directorate, indicated that the short walk should be as close to the home and always respecting the two meters of distance and use a facemask.

“For your safety, you should not sit on benches or the floor. Do not use children’s games that may be in parks, or hold objects on the street. Nor should you go to markets and supermarkets with children”, said Yuri Cutipé.

He added that an adult can go out with a maximum of two children under 14 years old, and they must wash their hands for twenty seconds before the walk.

“It is important to mention that if they see a friend they will be able to greet them, but not play and they still cannot carry toys, tricycles, or skateboards”, he stressed.

Upon returning home, they will wash their hands again and disinfect objects that have been exposed to surfaces. Also, they must leave bags, wallets, keys, glasses, cell phones, or others in a box at the entrance. Disinfect the items in the box using a cloth and a solution of water and bleach or alcohol.

Lic. Mary Castro
Psychologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma