Two important steps parents must follow to protect children from COVID-19

COLOMBO (News 1st); Medical experts in Sri Lanka are urging parents to ensure necessary steps are taking to prevent their children from contracting the coronavirus.

Dr. Nalin Kitulwatte, a consultant Paediatric Intensivist speaking to News 1st called on parents to avoid taking their children unnecessarily on visits outside of the house, especially to crowded places like supermarkets.

Further, he said it is the responsibility of parents to also ensure they follow the necessary guidelines to prevent COVID-19 is carried home following their visits to places outside of their homes.

More than five children infected with the COVID-19 virus are reported daily in Sri Lanka, with over 500 children confirmed to have contracted the virus so far, the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRH) said.

“10 children have died due to COVID-19 in the country so far; all these 10 children had faced some form of complication along with COVID-19,” Dr. G. Wijesuriya, the Director at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children told News 1st on Saturday (24).

He urged parents to pay special attention to children who are already suffering from complications such as cardiology issues and respiratory conditions.

Whilst observing that parents who had received the vaccine tend to believe that they cannot contract the virus anymore, Dr. Wijesuriya emphasized this is a wrong view among parents.