Hinshaw urges parents and children to stay home if they feel sick this fall

EDMONTON (660 NEWS) — If Alberta wants to remain under the first scenario of the school re-entry plan the provinces Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw says kids and parents need to stay home when they are sick.

This comes as kids were sent back to class this week with many parents still concerned over the health and well being of their children.

Hinshaw says wearing masks and maintaining physical distance reduces the risks of spreading the virus, but it does not eliminate all risk of exposure.

“It may sound over-simplistic but keeping sick children home from school will be critical to limiting exposure in schools and keeping schools open under scenario one,” she said.

“One of the most important things we can do as parents is to complete the health assessment with our children each day.”

She added this might create complications within families as a decision needs to be made on which parent will look after the child so the other can attend their job.

Not only was her message addressed to children but Hinshaw extended this to adults as well.

“We all need to reject the mindset that working while sick is a sign of toughness or that working through a cough or fever shows dedication to our jobs. Staying home when sick is a good thing, it shows we care about the health of our family and the health of those around us,” Hinshaw said.

“Staying home when sick is crucial to our success during the coming months, this is not the time to let our guard down.”

Other measures need to be taken when some are staying home, such as limiting contact between the sick person and other members of the family.

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