COVID-19: Tracy's Guide for Families

Q: What can I do when I am bored at home under lockdown?  💁 Tracy: If you have finished your work and want to enjoy yourself, you can make use of some online resources. For example: Free downloads from libraries: includes books, MP3s, online reading materials, etc. Please check your local library’s website. The Metropolitan Opera’s Nightly Opera Stream: All popular operas can be watched online for free, for 20 hours each stream. You don’t need to dress up or worry about sitting too far away, and those who want to learn more about opera but haven’t had chances to go can also take this as an opportunity to get started. https://www.metopera.org/nightly-opera-stream/ Google Arts and Culture: 1,200 art galleries, museums, zoos and even street art in more than 70 countries can be viewed online. Features include a 360 panorama, making you feel as if you were actually visiting the places. https://artsandculture.google.com/ Free coloring activities: For example, the adult colorin...

1. Q: How long can the coronavirus survive in the air, and can it reproduce itself?  💁 Tracy: The virus does not survive in the air for long. The time depends on the surface and conditions in the air. The virus itself cannot reproduce itself. It needs host / human body to replicate its RNA. 2. Q: Will the packages or letters sent from the pandemic area carry viruses? 💁 Tracy: If it takes a long time (for example, a week) to arrive, don't worry about it, because the virus cannot survive on dry surfaces or in circulating air for a long time. For same day delivery, if you are not in a hurry, leave the items outside for a few days before you open it. If you are in a hurry, wipe the surface with a disinfectant first. 3. Q: Are wool fabrics more susceptible to viruses?  💁 Tracy: Wool fabrics are not more susceptible to viruses than other clothing. Viruses are more likely to stay on the surface of smooth objects for longer periods of time, and are more likely to gather...

Q: Can the virus spread through aerosol? How to prevent it? 💁 Tracy: Yes. Aerosol refers to particulate matter suspended in the air. Aerosol happens mainly in hospitals and confined small spaces, so medical workers have a higher risk factor. Ordinary people are rarely exposed to a large number of aerosols with viruses in daily life, so wearing a mask when going out can play a protective role. To prevent the spread of aerosols, pay attention to: Wear masks: When meeting people, go to all public places (supermarkets, buses), wear masks. Wash your hands frequently: wash your hands when you come back home, go outside, or after touching any public surface, etc. You need to wash your hands carefully or wipe them with alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Toilet disinfection: disinfect toilets, toilet seats, and toilet flush switches at home frequently. Cover the toilet before flushing. Ventilation: The flowing air can ease the spread of the virus. But please don't turn o...

Q: Experts say we should disinfect by using the products listed on the list of Novel Coronavirus-Fighting Products ( https: //www.americanchemistry.com/Novel-Coronavirus-Fighting-Products-List.pdf ). This list was prepared by the American Chemistry Council’s Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC) and approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). But I can't find the recommended disinfectants, what should I do? 💁 Tracy: The following disinfection methods can be used with caution: 1) High temperature disinfection: keep above 133 °F for more than half an hour. Method: Preheat oven to over 140°F, put items in a suitable container in oven, and heat for half an hour. After taking out the items from oven, heat the oven to the highest temperature for another half hour to kill the high temperature resistant bacteria brought into the oven. For high temperature resistant small items such as tableware, use a high-temperature dishwasher or a special d...

Q：I have done my best to disinfect and always go out with protection. What other details do I need to pay attention to?  💁 Tracy： Please develop good personal hygiene habits in the following situations: After getting home from outside, besides washing your hands, you should also wash your face and other exposed areas of the body, because they may also be exposed to virus-containing droplets. If you go out for a long time, you can take a hot bath and shower for about half an hour. Do not get close to any wild animal. Please build the habit of not touching your face. Whether at home or outside, do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash or disinfect your hands as often as possible.  Home, offices, hotels and other places must be regularly ventilated. Ventilation requirements: 30min and twice a day. After going back, hang your outfit in a well-ventilated place or laundry; Leave your shoes outside the door if possible. Anyone who has...

Q: How do I explain COVID-19 and the need for isolation to my children? 💁 Tracy: This depends on the age and level of understanding of your children, but there are some general guidelines below: Remain calm as you explain the situation. Children react to the feelings of their caregivers. Begin with past experiences. Most children have been sick with a cold or other illness. Explain that COVID-19 is an illness also, but that it is more severe so we must be more careful to keep everyone safe. This is why schools have closed and activities have been canceled. Remind children of hygiene rules and that following the rules gives them the power to prevent illness. Explain the positive steps you and your family are taking to keep everyone safe. Include things such as wearing masks when you must leave the house.   Acknowledge your child’s feelings and answer their questions. If a child seems uninterested, they may need time to process what you’ve told them. Do...