Ask the Pediatrician

Even with sunny days ahead, COVID-19 has put a gloom on many summer plans. Postponed family vacations, can­ celled summer camps, or missed playdates–this summer is going to be different.

Here are answers to questions about the not-so-normal summer ahead.

How can I address my child’s disappointment about cancelled summer plans?

Make sure you get your own feelings in check before talk­ ing to your children. Acknowledge their sadness or anger that sleep-away camp or a special trip is not going to hap­ pen. Try to find other options, such as camping (even in your own backyard) or learning a new hobby.  Create  a new normal daily routine for your family to reassure your kids, help them feel safe, and create lasting  memories.

Is  swimming  safe?

Swimming itself is safe, assuming you follow usual water safety precautions-keep an arm distance  away  from young swimmers, constantly supervise them in or near wa­ ter, and surround the pool on all sides with a self-closing, self-latching gate. COVID-19 spreads mainly from respira­ tory droplets so as long as you and your kids are a healthy distance from other swimmers, masks are worn out of the water, and you are careful not to touch shared surfaces, such as gates, changing rooms, and pool equipment with­ out immediately washing your hands, go ahead and enjoy  a refreshing dip in the  pool.

My children’s camp is open. Should they go?

Inquire as to the safety protocols your camp has in place, including how they are going to screen kids to keep COV­ ID-19 from entering camp, decrease transmission between campers, identify illness, isolate, contact  trace,  and  no­ tify you if your child has been exposed. As long as plans  are followed to keep campers safe, if  you  feel comforta­ble and your children want to go, I think it’s reasonable to send them.

How can  we  have a safe  playdate?

It’s all about the risk that your family will tolerate . Every time you leave your home  or  are  around  other  people,  you are at risk for catching COVID-19. If  you  are  ready  to  venture out and see others, choose families that you trust and  who are also being careful. Keep a healthy distance away from others and gather outdoors to decrease risk of transmission  of the virus. Avoid sharing food or drinks, wash/sanitize hands frequently,  and  disinfect  commonly  touched surfaces.

Will schools open  this  fall?

Most schools will open this fall using three pillars for safety.

1 . Measures to prevent the virus from entering campus, such as health screening, temperature checks, and  staggered drop  offs.

2. Measures to decrease the risk of person-to-person transmission, such as smaller classes, masks, no large gatherings, unidirection­ al traffic, frequent handwashing, and disinfecting   . 3. Procedures to identify illness, isolate, test. and contact trace. Teachers and administrators are working hard this summer to come up with creative solutions to engage kids while keeping them safe and learning. For those unable to attend in person or who are home quarantined, school will also be  faced  with the challenge  of  hav­ ing both in-person  and   online  options available.