There seems a high level of laxity in the protection of children against contracting the deadly Covid-19 disease that is currently ravaging the globe.
Rwanda has pooled Journalists to deliberate on possible and effective ways of reporting on Covid-19 and its impact on children in the country.
Jean Bosco Gasherebuka the WHO Rwanda Health Information Officer commends local media for closely working with the relevant institutions in communicating about Covid-19.
“Rwanda has implemented all measures against Covid-19 and the media has been instrumental in sensitising the public,” Gasherebuka said on Thursday during a virtual conference.
Children in Rwanda are no exception as they are mostly social and interact closely but this contact among children could trigger spread of the virus.
Experts worry that the more people children interact with, and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of Covid-19 spread.
Rwandan media may have to actively sensitise, disseminate information that can educate children as the country approaches school re-opening for the first term.
While children may be spending time with other people as they return to school settings, experts say it is important to remember that exposure to additional children and adults outside of daycare or school should be managed to decrease risk.
Experts are recommending that children embrace virtual interaction more as opposed to physical contact.
Children at lower risk of contracting covid-19 are those that connect virtually (via phone calls and video chats).
Those at Medium risk include; Children maintain a distance of 6 feet from each other during the playdates. Playdates should be held outdoors, if possible. Indoor spaces are more risky than outdoor space where it might be harder to keep children apart and there is less ventilation.
Children at Highest risk of contracting Covid-19 include those engaged with frequent indoor playdates with multiple friends or families who are not practicing everyday preventive measures. Also Children that do not maintain a distance of 6 feet from each other are at highest risk of contamination.
source https://taarifa.rw/rwandan-media-to-sensitise-children-against-covid-19/
