Playdates: 5 ways to keep your child safe from COVID-19

Anna Kathryn Burch, MD

Pediatric Infectious Disease

Kids and teens are anxious to see their friends, but is it safe for them to visit or hang out together? Infectious disease pediatric physician Anna-Kathryn Burch, MD, said it’s important to continue practicing social distancing.

“Does that mean that friends can’t come over? Not necessarily,” said Dr. Burch. Here are five ways to stay safe:

• Stay outside and stay six feet from each other. “They can talk, go swimming or even ride their bikes together. But you need to keep that social distancing. Data shows us that the chance of getting COVID-19 when you’re outside and social distancing is essentially zero.”

• Keep an eye on them. “Have a parent watch to make sure what is actually happening, because kids don’t always remember what parents tell them. They might play like they normally do, and you can absolutely spread germs that way.”

• Limit the number of children. “Maybe just have one or two friends together.”

• Don’t share toys. “That’s an easy way to spread the virus back and forth, especially with young kids who put toys in their mouths.”

• Remember why social distancing is important. “We’re getting back to normal, but we have to make sure we are doing all the things that are asked of us to make everyone else safe.”