How to keep your kids healthy and anxiety-free during the coronavirus outbreak

In light of all public schools in Seattle closing because of the spread of novel coronavirus, parents in B.C. have raised concerns about whether schools in the province should remain open.

But B.C.'s provincial health officersays while the situation is beingcontinuously re-evaluated, schools will stay open for the time being.

"We will be looking at what's happening in our communities and those decisions are ones we'll be making as time goes on," Dr. Bonnie Henrysaid.

"But at the moment, I do not feel there's a need for us to close schools across the province."

For now, parents should follow the same guidelines as everyone else during the coronavirusoutbreak, and make sure their children are, too.

That includes washing hands properly, staying home if sickand cleaning common surfaces, which can include items like toys andscreens.

What if kids have symptoms?

The initial symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to a flu or cold. They can include fever, cough anddifficulty breathing.

Not everyone who is infected with COVID-19 shows symptoms, and some people will only exhibit very minor symptoms.

If you or your children show any symptoms, stay home, isolate yourself andcall your local public health authority. Do not visit an emergency room or urgent care centre to get tested.

How to manage kids'anxiety

Although those aged 65 or over are the ones at greatest risk of developing the most serious symptoms, anxiety caused by the pandemic can be frightening for the young, says psychiatrist Dr. Shimi Kang.

"We already have really high rates of anxiety in young kids, so in a situation like this, we have to be very mindful of how we are discussing it with young people," Kang said.

She recommends telling kids the truth without sugar-coating it too much, using age-appropriate terms.

But it's very important to move to optimism and grounded facts to reassure them and not put extra stress on them, Kang says.

"Saying things like:'We know if you wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, that certainly helps. We know that we have health-care providers that are doing their jobs. These are precautionary cancellations. Nothing particularly has happened. People are just being cautious,'" Kang said.