Coronavirus: SA Health produces children’s book, Hi. This is coronavirus
COVID-19 is a scary topic for adults so how do you approach it with little kids? A new children’s book from SA Health aims to introduce the topic gently. DOWNLOAD IT HERE.
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An official new children’s COVID-19 book has been launched to help explain to baffled South Australian youngsters about the changes they are having to endure.
SA Health has produced the 13-page picture book for families titled, “Hi. This is coronavirus”.
Illustrated with cartoons, special child-friendly hygiene messages include reminding youngsters to sing “Happy Birthday” twice to ensure they wash their hands for at least 20 seconds.
Experts say it is important parents are honest with their confused children about the various changes and restrictions imposed on their life.
The book, the idea of which came from a group of department-based mothers, can be downloaded for free while more than 100 copies will be sent to various hospital wards.
If successful, it could be more widely distributed.
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The state’s chief public health officer, associate professor Dr Nicola Spurrier, who is also a Flinders Medical Centre paediatrician, said she “loved” the book.
“It is a great little resource for children as they learn new things very easily,” she said yesterday.
“You will hear me say every day, you need to be washing your hands before eating and after touching your face, try and avoid touching your face, if you are a nail biter stop biting your nails and … don’t pick your nose.
Communications officer Anna Merola, of Park Holme, said the book was a really great idea for her children Sienna, 10 and five year-old Archer.
“You can’t hide it from the kids because they’re already talking about it,” she said.
“At least this is a helpful way to explain exactly what coronavirus is
“It also helps comfort them and let them know that people do get better – it makes it seem less scary.”
