Needing a trip to the ER can be a scary experience during normal times, but now some parents have an added layer of fear – contracting COVID. Romper reached out for advice on when a trip to the ER is really necessary during a Pandemic. I emphatically shared that the ER is not necessarily a higher risk place than any other indoor locations. Yes, there is Covid at the hospital, but there is a higher likelihood staff are vaccinated, masking and taking precautions more seriously than the local grocery store or movie theater.
For clearly non-life-threatening conditions, parents can utilize their pediatrician, urgent care facilities or nurse hotlines. However, if a child is acutely ill or injured, a parent should not hesitate to go the ER. Parents should also not worry about limiting their child’s activities in an effort to avoid a trip to the ER. Physical activity is essential for children to grow and learn. Activities like trips to the playground and outdoor sports do not need to be limited out of fear of a possible Covid exposure in the ER. Certainly maintaining safety with car seats, helmets, and supervision always makes sense to reduce our children’s risk, but I would not ask parents to do further restrictions out of fear.
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