Since its outbreak in Wuhan, there have been more than 300.000 infected people and more than 13.000 deaths due to Covid-19, a coronavirus-caused illness. The virus has spread wider than Ebola in 2014. The World Health Organization has declared it a pandemic, and countries across the world are taking drastic measures to prevent its spread, including mandatory quarantine and state of emergency declarations. The most dangerous thing about this virus is that it’s spreading very quickly. That’s why health professionals are recommending to stay at home and prevent its spread.

However, social distancing and self-isolation are not very easy to maintain, especially for children and the elderly, the latter being the most endangered group. In these turbulent times, we need to know our priorities. For most people, the top priority is keeping your family safe, so here are a couple of pointers to help you handle this situation.

Talk to your children

Children have it the most difficult when it comes to staying at home and maintaining a social distance. Depending on their age, there are different ways to explain to them what this situation implies and how to deal with it. Here are some basic principles to follow:

Show support for the seniors in your family

People in their sixties and seventies, as well as people with chronic health conditions, are at the highest risk of getting seriously sick from the virus. The risk profile of the individual depends heavily on the lifestyle and the health condition, but in any case, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If your parents are at a delicate age, you need to talk to them about their safety. Convey your concerns to them and ask them that, for everyone’s safety, they remain isolated in their home. If they’re not taking your word for it, point them to credible articles that cover everything seniors need to know about coronavirus and respond to all of their questions.

During this time in isolation, make sure you’re always there for them emotionally. Talk via phone or, even better, video call. Also, make sure they have everything they need (food, toiletries, etc.).

Get your house in order

Since your family is going to spend a lot of time indoors, you need to be sure your home is the safest place to be. Here are some general tips that will help you:

How to make the most out of the #stayathome time (without going crazy)

The speed of the spreading of the virus is unmatched, and that’s why it’s advised to spend most of your time home. Naturally, this puts a certain kind of a strain on families, who are used to their daily routines that keep the kids busy. Here are some ways you can make the most out of this time, without going completely insane between four walls:

Final word

These are challenging times for all of us. The entire world is facing a danger we don’t fully understand yet. That’s why it’s crucial that each one of us takes responsibility for protecting ourselves and those around us. Remember, all of this will pass, so try to keep it together. Be safe!