Wondering what reopening looks like for families with kids under 12?

Kids are fortunately at a lower risk of getting COVID-19. If they do get infected, they are at a lower risk of becoming sick. There is also emerging evidence that children are less likely to spread COVID-19. However, these risks are not zero.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has released a table with guidance on activities based on your vaccination status. See full table here: https://tinyurl.com/PHACStatusGuide

Before gathering, consider your family’s risk profile and that of the people you are planning to meet with. This includes:

• Whether anyone has symptoms of COVID-19
  
• Whether anyone was recently been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19
  
• Vaccination status
  
• Case numbers in your region
  
• Activities during the week, and the safety measures in place there (e.g. in-person school or daycare)
  
• Health conditions
  
• Risk tolerance

These are personal decisions and there is no “best” answer. What makes the most sense for you and your family may not work for someone else. If you are able to, have a conversation with your child to see what would make them feel most comfortable. This is an evolving situation and as circumstances change, so might feelings. Before gathering, have a discussion with the people you are meeting up with. Open conversation can help make everyone feel good about a plan for socializing safely.

Want more guidance? My COVID-19 Visit Risk is a great tool to help you understand the level of risk associated with your planned visit or gathering. Check it out: https://covidvisitrisk.com/index.html

References:

1. https://tinyurl.com/SUFUnder12
2. https://tinyurl.com/SUFDemographics
3. https://tinyurl.com/SUFKidsRisk1
4. https://tinyurl.com/SUFKidsRisk2
5. https://tinyurl.com/SUFKidsRisk3
6. https://tinyurl.com/SUFKidsRisk4
7. https://tinyurl.com/SUFKidsRisk5
8. https://tinyurl.com/SUFKidsRisk6
9. https://tinyurl.com/SUFKidsRisk7
10. https://tinyurl.com/PHACStatusGuide