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Parenting in the age of COVID-19 can be tough. Returning to the “new normal” of work or school in the fall can and will feel different than previous years. With some simple steps, you can protect your family and keep them safe and healthy.

A FOSTER PARENT’S COVID-19 GUIDE TO PROTECTING YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY

As many foster parents are returning to their workplace or carefully moving away from this COVID-19 “pause”, there are many different ways you can help ensure your own safety and the safety of the children under your care. One of them is carefully reading and following any reopening plans your employer might have put in place for you, but also having your own plan- we believe having a plan of action while transitioning into a “new normal” is the best way to help each other thrive.

That’s why we have put together this article based on the latest guidance and expert advice from reliable organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We wanted to compile helpful information and knowledge, so you don’t have to.

From protective gear to how to correctly practice social distancing, this article will offer you some key elements to make your transition plan a success and soon enough, part of your everyday pareting routine to protect your family during COVID-19.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

According to the CDC, the appropriate use of masks helps slow the spread of COVID-19. Make sure you wear a mask over your mouth and nose when you’re going to be in a public setting where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain e.g. grocery stores and pharmacies, trains or buses.

There are many different types of masks and the CDC suggests that even a simple cloth mask is better than no mask. Since many people have been found to be asymptomatic, a mask is a good precaution even for those who don’t feel ill: it can protect you and those around you.

Here is some additional information regarding the use of cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

It is not necessary for you to wear a surgical mask or a N-95 respirator — these types of masks are primarily used by healthcare personnel to protect patients and healthcare workers.

Here is a helpful guide on how to make your own mask at home, and remember that your cloth face cover or mask should be washed daily after every use.

In case you want to make sure you’re wearing your mask correctly, here is a video on how to properly don and doff your mask.

According to the CDC gloves are not necessary unless you are directly cleaning or caring for someone who is sick. Here is a list of specific situations when the general public should wear gloves. But in case you still want to use gloves, here is a how to don and doff your gloves video, to make sure you’re wearing your disposable gloves in the safest way possible.

Sanitation

Make sure to wipe down often used surfaces such as countertops and cellphones with EPA-registered household disinfectants such as those described here.

Though recently published studies suggest that touching contaminated objects and then infecting yourself with the virus is not typically how the virus spreads, keep in mind that you should avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to avoid the risk of catching the virus and don’t forget to wash your hands frequently.

Here is an in-depth CDC guide in how to correctly wash your hands. And when you are on the move, a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol can be beneficial for times when you are unable to wash your hands frequently.

Social Distancing

According to the CDC, limiting face-to-face contact with others is the best way to reduce the spread of the COVID-19. When possible, avoid one-on-one meetings. If you must meet with another person, stay at least 6 feet away from them, and try to avoid crowded spaces such as meeting rooms or shopping centers where the 6 feet rule will be difficult to apply. Here is an in-depth CDC explanation of what social distancing is all about.

If you live in an area where public transportation is the only way to move around, wear a mask, try to avoid crowded buses or trains and do not get in if you feel uncomfortable about a lack of social distancing with others who are not wearing a mask or the correct protective gear.

Spotting signs of infection

If you suspect you or any of your loved ones are sick with COVID-19, you should immediately seek medical attention. Your doctor might advise that you stay at home and quarantine if your symptoms are mild. If your symptoms worsen, contact your health provider immediately and only leave your home if your health professional advises you to do so.

Though there have been fewer cases of COVID-19 in children, there has been a recent concern of cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with the disease. Knowing how to correctly spot signs of the disease might save you or your child’s life. Though symptoms are similar across all ages, some symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea in children could also be indicative of the virus.

Generally speaking, flu-like symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat and loss of taste or smell are indicative of the virus and if you or your child have experienced any or all of these, you should immediately seek medical attention. Here is a more in depth CDC guide to Coronavirus symptoms in both children and adults.

It is a helpful approach to monitor your symptoms regularly whether you suspect to have any or not, especially when you’re coming in and out of enclosed spaces. Take your and your child’s temperature on a daily basis and check in for any irregularities in your sense of taste or smell. Doing so only takes a couple of minutes and it will help you detect symptoms early.

Your healthcare provider will be able to advise you if testing is necessary. You can also visit your state or local health department’s website to look for the latest local information on testing. Here is a helpful guide on how testing for the Coronavirus disease works.

When a loved one is sick

If someone in your home is infected with COVID-19, the first thing to do is to make sure that person is isolated in one specific area of your home where no one else will access.

If possible, avoid sharing personal items and don’t use the same bathroom. In the case that you have to share space with a sick person, make sure the room is well ventilated. Improving ventilation helps remove respiratory droplets from the air. Here is a more in depth CDC guide on how to best care for someone sick at home.

Your healthcare provider and your local department of health will advise on when it is safe for an individual and their household to stop isolating, and it will also be helpful for you to be in constant communication with your foster care agency- in consultation with your local department of health they should regularly provide you with support and help you solve any additional problems you might encounter.

As we learn more about COVID-19 and the way it spreads, advice changes. We will continue to try to bring you the most up-to-date guidance as it emerges, but checking the CDC website regularly will ensure you are getting the latest information.

Below we have added a couple of additional resources, but please remember to follow this advice both at home and at your place of work. Don’t forget that we’re here to help you through this time of transition. If there are any questions or concerns not addressed in this article, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to provide you with the information you need.