The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and the virus has now spread to many countries and territories, we know that it is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person. While COVID-19 continues to spread it is important that communities take precautions to prevent further transmission.
Today, children and young people are global citizens, powerful agents of change and the next generation of caregivers, scientists, and doctors. Any crisis presents the opportunity to help them learn, cultivate compassion and increase resilience while building a safer and more caring community. Having information and facts about COVID-19 will help diminish students’ fears and anxieties around the disease and support their ability to cope with any secondary impacts in their lives.
The protection of children and educational facilities is very important. Precautions are necessary to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 in school settings; however, care must also be taken to avoid stigmatizing students and staff who may have been exposed to the virus. It is important to remember that COVID-19 does not differentiate between borders, ethnicities, disability status, age or gender.
*We Darjeeling Public Schools are abiding by all the rules and regulations shared by the Government.
What To Do In COVID-19
CHECKLIST FOR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS & COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Monitor your child’s health and keep them home from school if they are ill.
Teach and model good hygiene practices for your children.
Encourage your children to ask questions and express their feelings with you and their teachers. Remember that your child may have different reactions to stress; be patient and understanding.
Prevent stigma by using facts and reminding students to be considerate of each other.
Coordinate with the school to receive information and ask how you can support school safety efforts (through parent-teacher meetings, etc.)
CHECKLIST FOR STUDENTS AND CHILDREN
In a situation like this it is normal to feel sad, worried, confused, scared or angry. Try to remain Sanguine and know that you are not alone and talk to someone you trust, like your parent ,teachers or elders so that you can help keep yourself and your school safe and healthy.
Be a leader in keeping yourself, your school, family and community healthy.
Don’t stigmatize your peers or tease anyone about being sick; remember that the virus doesn’t follow geographical boundaries, ethnicities, age or ability or gender.
Tell your parents, another family member, or a caregiver if you feel sick, and ask to stay home.