Taking kids out

[Puddleduck42]

As soon as Boris announced that schools are closing on Friday my Facebook is filled with people saying make sure you keep your kids at home. I can understand to a massive extent keeping them home as much as possible. But are we not even allowed to take them for a walk? are they not even allowed to come to the local shop with us? are they allowed to the park at the weekend for example? Can we go in the woods?

I'm all for keeping them away from other people and public buildings and things like, that, but sometimes we may have to go out and also fresh air and exercise is so important. I don't want people giving me evils in the middle of the street for taking my child for a walk. what are we supposed to do?

Well I’m a single parent so they will have to come out with me

We’re not on lockdown (yet) so nothing wrong with fresh air and exercise.....which given the rate of closures will be the only thing on offer anyway!!

Of course they can go for walks. It’s good for them to get some sun and be in contact with nature. I think on balance it’s healthier for sure for them to go out

I'm sure walks are ok if you keep your distance from others. The key is avoiding contact with other people.

Nothing wrong with going out for a walk in open fields and woodland away from other. It's about employing common sense.

If they go to the shops are you able to guarantee they won't touch ANYTHING.. the issue is that children can have this virus asymptomatically. You wouldn't even know your dc has it, they go to a shop with you, whilst you are distracted paying for your purchases, your DC could touch cans of food, touch a wire shopping basket, touch a Zebra crossing button on the way home.. then a vulnerable/older person touches the same thing. It's that simple. Can they POSSIBLY spread this ? Then the answer is yes they can in this scenario therefore you shouldn't do it.