As our teenagers return to school, you can expect not only the roads to be busier but new challenges regarding how to respect the Covid-19 regulations and how to keep them healthy.
It is vital that we continue to do our own part to slow the spread of the virus. Especially now as the country “reopens”.
With Grade 7 and 12s returning to school, there are some strict regulations about how this can be done with relative safety.
For instance, parents who drive their kids to school should wear face masks, sanitise their vehicles and ensure there is good ventilation.
If at all possible, don’t sit right on top of one another.
Eugene Herbert of Masterdrive says: “Wear your masks in the vehicle even if you were in lockdown together.
“Remember, children can bring the virus into the car with them which can have detrimental consequences for more vulnerable family
members.”
Public transport is a big risk for spreading the virus.
Talk to your children if they use taxis or buses. Encouraging them to social distance as much as possible, don’t touch the commonly touched places like handles, sanitise their hands before entering and after leaving the vehicle, keep their masks on at all times and try not to gossip into each others ears.
With public transport, the number of passengers the vehicle is allowed is limited to 70% of the usual capacity.
This means a taxi normally carrying 10 passengers can carry only seven, and a small bus that carries 22
passengers is limited to 15.
DON’T CRAM: Taxis are only supposed to be filled to 70% of total capacity
Let your kids know that it is OK to not get onto a vehicle that is not sticking to the regulations and tell them why these rules are in place.
Herbert adds: “All students are now also required to have permits confirming that they are travelling to school. This will be issued by the heads of the school.
Despite the recent court ruling declaring the lockdown unconstitutional, creating much uncertainty, it’s wise to follow the social distancing and sanitisation guidelines.
COMPLY: Obey sanitising rules
It helps us all to slow the spread of the virus so hospitals are not swamped.
And though young people are said to fare much better if they get sick, remember that schools are a prime breeding ground for virus spread.