Back to school: Habits will have to change!
Friday, 22 de May de 2020 - 17:22
Classes will start and some routines will too. In COVID-19 times, young people need to be aware that being with friends and colleagues during school times will be different and require precautions.
Back to school is always a time of great anxiety, both for parents and students. The beginning of the 3rd term, in times of the pandemic, brings us increased concerns.
The Government warns of the mandatory use of masks by students, teachers and employees, as well as disinfectant gel at the entrance to the classrooms for mandatory use at the beginning and end of each class.
Still, these measures will not be enough if each one of us does not change our habits.
How can we get along with our friends?
As a rule, young people walk in large groups, something that is not recommended during this period. Socialising between friends and colleagues will have to be done in a different way, always keeping in mind the minimum safety distance (2m). Therefore, those lunches after school, in which everyone gets together to relax and socialise, will have to be postponed to when it is safer.
But do we have to change our habits so much?
All the changes that are requested from us these days seek to safeguard the health and well-being of everyone, even outside the school environment. Routines as simple as using the school drinking fountain or greeting colleagues will have to be postponed for a while.
A good option to avoid the lines at the school bar is to adopt the habit of always bringing snacks from home.
Additionally, care with hygiene must be reinforced: mandatory hand washing, disinfection of common spaces (cafeteria tables, desks and handrails), as well as airing spaces by opening windows.
These are some examples of habits that we can easily change to be protected and, at the same time, protect those around us.
What if you have any questions?
Students should be encouraged to ask any questions or concerns they have about the coronavirus.
It is important not to promote stigma towards the virus and send a message that the virus infects people, making no distinction between borders, ethnicities, gender, age or religion.
The best way is to always be aware that by protecting myself, I am also protecting everyone else!
Joana Brito, Holon Pharmacist
Sofia Macedo, Holon Pharmacist