Mayo Clinic prepares parents for pandemic school year

Days away from the start of a new and likely unique school year, Mayo Clinic is sharing advice to help prepare parents sending their kids to school.

Not all students will return on the first day, but all parents should prepare if their school district changes course and allows more students to be in school. The guidance is nothing new, but Mayo Clinic says making it stick with our children to help ensure the safest learning environment possible might be a challenge.

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“One of the most important things we can do is have a positive attitude with how we teach our kids about safe hygiene measures and social distancing,” said Dr. Angela Mattke, a pediatrician with Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

“Also, teaching kids it’s OK to tell us if [they’re] not feeling well so [they] can stay home,” Mattke added.

Mayo Clinic also advises students to:

• Clean hands frequently, including hand-washing and using hand sanitizer.
• Disinfect high-tough surfaces, such as work stations.
• Perform daily symptom checks and stay home if sick.
• Practice safe distancing of 6 feet.
• Wear a mask and pack an extra.

“With kids, we want to make sure we talk about mask-wearing in a positive light because kids are going to take on the attitude and perception that their parents have about mask-wearing,” Mattke said.

“If we can really be positive about it and tell them this is how we can reduce our risk of getting sick, and other people [sick], they’re going to be more willing to do it as well.”