Children in Alaska are encouraged to get outside and play safely, but discouraged from indoor play-dates. Instead, a Tuesday press release from the Alaska Division of Public Health (DPH) recommends prioritizing playing outdoors with family only.
The statement clarifies that doing an outdoor activity in the same area with a small group of non-family members would be acceptable only if non-family members stay at least six feet away.
According to the DPH, children can get outside and carefully play right now, noting that physical activity is beneficial for kids’ physical health, and also for their mental health. Physical activity can help them feel better and reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress, which may be showing up during this challenging time. They say the important recommendation is for kids to give each other space while doing these activities, spreading themselves out and maintaining six feet of distance from people other than family members.
The Department is quick to clarify that playing outside is different than playing on a playground. Playgrounds make it difficult for children to stay six feet apart, but playing in a larger outdoor area with family members is a much safer alternative.
Children will almost certainly find it difficult to avoid their friends, which is why the release also recommends that kids utilize other methods of communication with their pals, such as FaceTime or Skype. In addition, people 60 and older and those with chronic medical conditions face the highest chances for serious health problems related to coronavirus. So, the advice about FaceTime or Skype also apply to grandparents and other immunocompromised family members.
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services is updating its coronavirus information every day, and advised staying informed by visiting them online at coronavirus.alaska.gov.
