Staying Safe Outside while Social Distancing

We are finally seeing some relief from the COVID-19 lockdown, but we still need to stay safe! Desperate to get out of the house we understand finally taking a trip outdoors. Today we at Kinder Buddies Oakville Daycare go over the best ways to protect your family from COVID-19 outside.

Wear a Mask

The main concern with COVID-19 is that it’s assumed to be transmissible 2 weeks before symptoms show. It’s important for everyone to wear a mask whenever they are in enclosed spaces where distancing is difficult.

Many shops and services like public transit are making face masks mandatory in order to stop the spread.

Getting a Mask

For day to day wearing a mask can be simple and considered a “non-medical mask“. All masks should cover the nose and mouth and be easy to breathe in. Masks should fit comfortably and not need to be adjusted.

Purchase a Mask

• Canadian Tire
• Etsy Canada (Online)
• Amazon.ca

Where to Wear a Mask

Masks are not necessary when driving or walking in an open area. That said, always sanitize your hands by washing with soap or with sanitizer before touching your mask to take it off. Masks should be worn in enclosed spaces such as stores or public transit.

Certain people cannot wear masks: Children under the age of 2 should not wear masks. Masks can also be difficult for people with Asthma or Autism. Masks also create an issue for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Masks for Children

Getting children, especially toddlers, to keep their hat on let alone a mask, can be near impossible. While there are smaller masks available for kids, make sure to use your discretion.

Children can catch COVID-19. Consider limiting their exposure to places they would need a mask if they cannot wear one. This may mean having one parent do groceries while the other stays home with the kids.

We understand kids still need to get out of the house. we highly recommend taking advantage of the nice weather. Make an emphasis on visiting parks and beaches where kids can be mask free.

Larger Circle of Friends

The government now allows groups of up to 10 people to get together. Consider reaching out to a family you’re close to and offer to be in a “bubble” together. This means you can visit each other freely while maintaining distance from other “bubbles”. These bubbles allow your family to remain safe while being social!

Disposable Gloves

Disposable gloves aren’t all that necessary if you remember to wash and sanitize your hands frequently. In some places, it may make more sense to wear gloves: like the gas station. Always remember to remove the gloves safely to avoid contamination. Throw the gloves in the trash right away.

Hand Washing and Hand Sanitizer

As always make it a family habit to wash hands as soon as you come home. More emphasis as well on washing hands before taking off masks or eating.

When using hand sanitizer use a dime-sized amount and rub your hands together for 30 seconds. Hand sanitizers are widely available for free at most stores use them whenever you can.

Make sure to check store policies on sanitizing carts and baskets or consider bringing your own. Most stores are doing a great job at keeping shared carts/baskets clean.

Maintain Distance

The best way to stay safe when out and about is to maintain a 6-foot distance from others. Stores will have line ups with markers on the ground to get in the store and cash out. When shopping in stores try and go in aisles with the least amount of people. Consider waiting for a busy aisle to slow down before shopping.

When out shopping always research the stores’ policies in advance. Many stores are only accepting contact-less forms of payment like tap or insert cards.

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Kinder Buddies Oakville Child Care is a Quality First Daycare and Infant Care facility in Oakville, Ontario. We take care of children from the age of 6 weeks to 5 1/2 providing nutritious meals and fun activities all day long.