Skip to main content
Go to homepage

Print Page

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Social Distancing With Children

When the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic first started, we learned that social distancing was an important way to prevent the virus from spreading.

What Is Social Distancing?

Most of us call it "social distancing," but it can help to think of it as "physical distancing" instead. Social distancing puts space between people. By keeping their distance from others, people infected with the virus are less likely to spread it.

The virus mainly spreads when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes, which sends tiny droplets into the air. People standing nearby can get these droplets in their eyes, nose, or mouth, or they can breathe them in.

Because infected people may not have symptoms, the pandemic taught us that it is best to keep a safe distance from others. This is especially true for people at higher risk of getting COVID-19, such as those with weak immune systems or certain medical conditions, or people who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This is even more important in areas where many people still are getting infected with the coronavirus.

How Do We Keep a Safe Distance in Public?

Here are some tips on how to keep a safe distance:

  • Choose outdoor venues for dining or activities whenever possible, as that gives people more space to spread out.
  • If you must be indoors, avoid places that are crowded and don’t have good ventilation. Bring in fresh air by opening doors and windows.
  • When indoors or on public transportation, try to stay at least 6 feet away from other people and wear a mask (if over the age of 2).
  • Use drive-thru or curbside pick-up when possible for food orders and shopping. Shopping online from home is another way to keep your distance from others.

How Can We Still Be Social?

Help your unvaccinated kids stay connected with friends and extended family members through video visits or playdates. If your kids meet friends in person, help them plan small outdoor get-togethers where they can keep a safe distance from each other, such as doing sidewalk chalk art or riding bikes.

You also can plan family activities. Take a walk or a hike to get out and get active without physical contact. Try to find quiet streets or less well-known paths for these outings. It's best not to go to places where lots of people gather, especially those with things that lots of kids use, like jungle gyms.

More and more people are getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Eventually, unvaccinated kids will be able to socialize as they used to. But for now, it is safest to keep unvaccinated kids distanced from others when out in public.

Reviewed by: Jonathan M. Miller, MD, Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date Reviewed: Oct 22, 2021

Lea este articulo en Español

What next?

Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
There are 10 nurses in the picture.

And we have many more pediatric primary care providers in Northeast Ohio. You can meet some of them here.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The five differences are:
– Phone color
– Coat pocket
– Stethoscope earpiece color
– Stethoscope bell dot
– Clipboard paper color

Need help finding a doctor, choosing a location or getting a general question about Akron Children's answered? Call us or fill out the form and we'll help in any way we can.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The two matching doctors are 9 and 14.

With virtual visits, you can see our pediatric experts from the comfort of home or wherever you are.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The correct path:
The Correct Path
We offer many ways to get pediatric care all over Northeast Ohio. Use this page to find the right kind of care and the most convenient location for you.