‘Does the coronavirus have eyes?’ Kids ask Dr. Henry, Minister Fleming their COVID questions
Posted May 2, 2020 2:13 pm.
Last Updated May 2, 2020 7:05 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — For many Canadians these uncertain times can be challenging, but how are kids coping?
On Saturday, B.C.’s Medical Health Official Dr. Bonnie Henry and Education Minister Rob Fleming answered some questions kids in the province have around the novel coronavirus through a joint effort from NEWS 1130, CityNews Vancouver and Breakfast Television.
The Town Hall was hosted by NEWS 1130’s Legislative Reporter Liza Yuzda, and Breakfast Television’s Thor Diakow.
Where is the virus from?
Henry says, the virus originated in China and what researchers know so far, the coronavirus is in the family of the Rona viruses which circulate in a number of animals.
“It’s very likely that way back when it probably was a virus in bats that went to another animal,” she says. “We still don’t know for sure but there’s some theory that is probably a pangolin.”
The pangolin is also used in traditional Chinese medicines and sometimes food.
She says what we do know is, the virus was passed from person to person and eventually spread around the world.
When do we get back to school?
“The short answer for all the kids and parents out there is when it’s safe to do,” Fleming says.
He says the province is looking at all the evidence around how British Columbians are working to fight the spread of the virus.
He adds, Canadians have done an “awesome job” combating the virus.
“When we say we’re in it together, it means we all behave and act safely and have done that now for many weeks and months in British Columbia, we’re in a much better place than some other provinces and countries and other places of the world, but we have to keep that up.
He goes on to reassure kids that teachers and support staff in schools want to work with them again.
“This isn’t forever. This is just for now, it’s the best thing we can do to combat the coronavirus.
Does the coronavirus have eyes?
“No,” Henry says, “but it does have these little spikes.”
She says the coronavirus has little horns — which is who why we call it corona, because it is “the Latin word for a crown.”
Henry says the little bumps on the surface are proteins that allow the virus to stick to our cells.
Resources:
Keep Learning B.C. – https://t.co/Y5NviSACny
New website provides parents and caregivers with guidance, ideas and tips to continue their children’s education while in-school instruction is suspended for most students. #bcpoli #covid19 @NEWS1130 @CityNewsVAN— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) May 2, 2020
Resources: https://t.co/XOECpfpVHL
A resource that empowers students, parents, educators and the community partners who support them to get help with challenges, report concerns to schools, and learn about complex issues facing students.#bcpoli #covid19 @NEWS1130 @CityNewsVAN— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) May 2, 2020
Resources:
FamilySmart – 1-855-887-8004 – info@familysmart.ca programs help BC families and caregivers who are parenting children and youth facing mental health challenges. – https://t.co/5xyGkAq5GW#bcpoli #covid19 @NEWS1130 @CityNewsVAN— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) May 2, 2020
Resources:
WE Well-being – Free online resource for students, parents and educators to support social and emotional well-being as they navigate the new world of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://t.co/yN9DMxKx96#bcpoli #covid19 @NEWS1130 @CityNewsVAN— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) May 2, 2020
Resources:
Foundry BC Young people 12-24 & their families will be able to access youth-focused virtual clinics offering counselling, peer support, primary care and family support through voice calls, video and chat. https://t.co/akt5rb3WhR#bcpoli #covid19 @NEWS1130 @CityNewsVAN— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) May 2, 2020
Resources
EASE (Everyday Anxiety Strategies for Educators). Tips for parents, like how to teach children calming breathing techniques or use structured games like scavenger hunts to build routine in a way that’s fun. https://t.co/bVPTGr4CE2#bcpoli #covid19 @NEWS1130 @CityNewsVAN— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) May 2, 2020
Resources:
Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868 – for children and youth under the age of 20 years old – immediate contact with professional counselors – anonymous and available 24 hours a day. – https://t.co/vRWt8owjaT#bcpoli #covid19 @NEWS1130 @CityNewsVAN— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) May 2, 2020
Resources:
Digital Libraries
Visit your local library’s website to access thousands of fun and educational resources to help students stay engaged while they’re learning at home. #bcpoli #covid19 @NEWS1130 @CityNewsVAN— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) May 2, 2020
