Just as Coronavirus is raging around the world, there are more than 24,000 cases worldwide and 10 confirmed cases in Malaysia at the time of publishing. According to Chinese media reports, the youngest person in China infected with the Coronavirus is a 9-months-old baby.

Hearing this news, we’re all starting to get worried about the safety of our children at either when we’re out and about or at home.

Coronavirus is transmitted through the respiratory tract and eyes. At this time, both adults and children should wear masks, disinfect frequently, and avoid going out as much as possible to prevent the infection of germs. In addition to taking precautionary measures when going out, home prevention measures are also important as adults may be infected even if they have no symptoms.  The following 6 measures are for parents’ reference.

Measure 1: Avoid kissing between parents and children

During the epidemic prevention period, avoid intimate movements with your child, such as kissing your baby. This may help in preventing the transition of bacteria to children whose immune system is not fully developed. In addition, parents are also discouraged in sharing the same eating and drinking utensils.

Measure 2: Home cleaning, disinfection, & ventilation

Keep your home environment clean and hygienic. Use alcohol or disinfectant to wipe your furniture, children’s toys, or expose them to the sun to kill bacteria. After someone sneezes or coughs in your home, immediately disinfect the area again. If there is an air freshener in the home, turn it on regularly every day. If you do not have one, open the window to ventilate the home to avoid indoor air stagnation, which can become a hotbed for germ growth.

Measure 3: Wash your hands frequently

Urge children to wash their hands and face frequently, prevent them from rubbing their eyes with hands, and tell them not to touch the surface of objects in public places, especially elevator buttons, railings, keyboards, water taps, door handles, etc.

“Clean hand hygiene is very important. Hand sanitisers work very well. Squirt onto your hands, get it into the crevices and dry your hands. The virus dies very well with drying. However, we have caution with wipes. Wipes is like spreading things over – like butter on toast. But this time round, you are spreading the virus all over, and any germs.”

– Dr. Leong Hoe Nam, Infectious Diseases Physician

Measure 4: Try not to go to crowded public places.

Crowded public places such as closed air-conditioned shopping malls and airports are most likely to be infected by unknown germs. Parents and children should try to avoid them. Wear a mask when going out and after using a mask, throw it away. Take a bath or shower as soon as you get home. Do not touch your children until you are completely clean.

Measure 5: Sick family members should wear a mask- even at home

Generally, children or younger infants are a little resistant to wearing masks. So, if a member of the family finds that they have a cold, cough or sneeze, they should cover their mouth and nose completely with a mask whenever they are around children.

Whenever you sneeze or cough, always use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose. If you are unable to reach for a tissue, cover your mouth and nose with your hands and immediately wash and disinfect with soap after. If symptoms persist, immediately seek medical attention.

Measure 6: Enhance immunity

A strong immunity helps to resist the invasion of germs, so you should eat more home-cooked meals especially vegetables and fruits, ensure you get enough nutrients, and avoid eating uncooked food.