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Parent24 understands the concerns and anxiety you're feeling as the Covid-19 pandemic makes itself known across South Africa.
See below for our comprehensive list of coronavirus-related news, information and advice, updated daily.
For the latest lockdown news, visit: Family in lockdown: Parent24 has you covered
Listen
PODCAST | ASK A DOCTOR: Dr Bosch explains social distancing vs self-isolating as a family
Dr Bosch also touches on playdates, grandparents, family hygiene and whether to go to the park or not, among other relevant topics.
'I can't say that you won't get it': Dr Bosch answers parent's coronavirus questions
"It isn't guaranteed the whole family will get it, but it is extremely likely." Dr Bosch answers readers questions.
Legally speaking
Working parents, need time off work during the coronavirus pandemic? Here are your rights
"As an employee in South Africa, The Basic Conditions of Employment Act protects your right to take sick leave. This means that if you get a medical certificate confirming the diagnosis stating that you have to be in isolation, you will be entitled to take sick leave," says Adv. Jackie Nagtegaal, LAW FOR ALL’s Managing Director.
Coronavirus | I'm a nanny and I can't go to work. Can I get fired?
Once your annual leave is used up, the principle of 'no work no pay' will come into play.
Coronavirus and the rights of domestic workers in South Africa
What the law says about leave days, and how to navigate precautionary measures amid the Covid-19 outbreak, from Adv. Jackie Nagtegaal, Managing Director at LAW FOR ALL.
Can working parents stay at home now that schools are closed because of Covid-19?
Is the presence of Covid-19 enough to justify working from home?
What happens if I catch Covid-19 at work?
"The managers are saying it is not considered an injury on duty if we contract the virus."
How to manage co-parenting and visitation in a coronavirus crisis
Parents have to lead with understanding, co-operation and some maturity: this too will pass.
Co-parenting during Covid-19 - This is what we know so far
Whilst these are extraordinary times it is very disappointing and unacceptable that Family Matters have not been given the same serious considerations by Government considering that it affected millions of parents and children.
Schools and playgroups
You may need to keep your kids away from playgrounds these school holidays
According to one study, coronavirus lasts "on copper for up to 4 hours, on cardboard up to 24 hours and on plastic and stainless steel up to 2 to 3 days."
Coronavirus | Parents respond as Ramaphosa closes schools
Ramaphosa announced that schools will be closed from Wednesday, 18 March 2020, two days before public school holidays were due to start this week.
Coronavirus: How teachers can manage health and safety at schools now
Teachers may be especially worried given the most recent school closure in Gauteng following concerns that one educator may have been exposed.
An increasing number of countries are closing their schools nationwide, including Japan, Hong Kong, mainland China, Italy, Iran and Vietnam - and South Africa.
Coronavirus: Is it safe to take your kids to daycare, and other questions parents ask
As the first confirmed case of Covid-19 was announced parents around South Africa reacted in panic, with many reaching out to us with questions about the safety of their children.
KZN school closes in face of coronavirus fears
The conservative decision was made to close Cowan House, due to the lack of clarity and uncertainty at this point.
Coronavirus: Will South African schools be closing, and what will that mean to parents?
Japan, Hong Kong, mainland China, Italy, Iran and Vietnam have closed schools, and some US schools have shut for a few days.
Teachers are vital in the war against Covid-19 and digital misinformation
Via Afrika Group Knowledge Manager Micheal Goodman-Mareme talks what teachers can do about the spread of factually incorrect information.
Coronavirus: How does closing our schools stop the pandemic?
The four week school holiday break will minimise contact between teachers, pupils, parents and school staff.
WATCH: The British royal family is switching to homeschooling
Prince George and Princess Charlotte are to be homeschooled amid the coronavirus pandemic as their school is switching to remote learning.
DBE confirms that teachers and school staff must work until Friday, 20 March 2020
All schools including early childhood centres, private and public as well as boarding and special schools are affected by the cabinet decision.
Coronavirus: Are daycares really closing, and what do we do now?
So we did some research and found that yes, in fact, all Early Childhood Development centres (ECDs) registered with the Department of Social Services must close until 15 April.
What exactly are the new school holiday dates? We'll know soon
The DBE assured us that they'll inform the public as soon as possible.
Pregnancy and health
Coronavirus: What pregnant women need to know
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding you're probably concerned about the coronvirus headlines that are taking over the news lately.
How pregnant women can protect themselves against the coronavirus outbreak
The first case of Covid-19 in South Africa was confirmed yesterday.
Coronavirus: Are imported baby goods safe for my family?
As more cases of Covid-19 are confirmed in South Africa, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) has labelled the outbreak a pandemic, parents are becoming more and more concerned.
Coronavirus with a baby: what you need to know to prepare and respond
If you have a baby, you may be worried about them catching the coronavirus, particularly after media reports of an Australian infant diagnosed with it.
Is it safe to breastfeed when you have Covid-19?
Can a breastfeeding mother put her baby at risk?
For the whole family
Worried about your child getting coronavirus? Here’s what you need to know
Parents are understandably concerned. But it’s important to keep in mind that comparatively few children have tested positive for the virus, and deaths in children are very rare.
WATCH | Kids, learn how to wash your hands properly with these catchy tunes
We've got some catchy songs to encourage the younger kids to wash their hands correctly, and for longer than a few seconds!
Coronavirus: As schools close, are the kids a risk to their grandparents?
So far, the number of older people dying from Covid-19 is significantly higher. And people with conditions often associated with age, such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems and hypertension are also at greater risk.
Johannesburg-based mother-of-three, Zenoyise John says her young children will go to her village in the Eastern Cape because she can’t not go to work.
FEEL GOOD | This is how the coronavirus has inspired South Africans to do good
At many underprivileged schools throughout the country, as many as 9 million learners are supplied with lunch through the National School Feeding Programme.
Even celeb parents are working from home during the coronavirus pandemic
Here's a look at how celeb parents are contributing towards making life a little sunnier during the pandemic.
Explaining to kids
What to tell your kids about coronavirus, and how to help them stay safe
A few useful resources parents can use when talking to their kids about coronavirus.
Eight tips on what to tell your kids about coronavirus
It’s therefore important for parents to be there for their children to ease any concerns they may have about the virus and how it could affect them.
WATCH: Six tips for explaining the coronavirus to children
The US-based Child Mind Institute are experts in family mental health, and here the NPO provides six tips from its experts on how you can go about tackling the tough topic with your children.
What to tell your kids about coronavirus, and how to help them stay safe
Children are like sponges, and we're sure by now you've already been getting some queries from your children as to what exactly coronavirus is.
'Name it to tame it': How parents can help their children make sense of the consequences of Covid-19
When stress is heightened — which it is for all of us right now because of the COVID-19 pandemic — children become aware of it and they try to locate the source of the stress. It is important to both acknowledge their concerns and be open to discussing them.
Health and safety at home
PODCAST | PARENT24/7: We talked to a doctor about coronavirus and your kids
We asked Dr Carol Bosch about coronavirus and your kids.
PRINTABLE | CORONAVIRUS: Handwashing steps for young children and teens
We've made two posters available for parents and teachers to download and print. They're great visual reminders to encourage thorough hand washing which experts say is one of the best ways to prevent coronavirus.
WATCH | Kids, learn how to wash your hands properly with these catchy tunes
We've got some catchy songs to encourage the younger kids to wash their hands correctly, and for longer than a few seconds!
Do you have enough toilet paper to last a coronavirus quarantine? Find out here
For a family of 4 - two adults, a pre-schooler and potty training toddler - I've entered five bathroom visits each per day. With just ten rolls left, the tool assures me that we will last 20 days, or 143% of our (potential) quarantine.
WATCH: Pediatrician-recommended tips for protecting your family from coronavirus
With the number of confirmed coronavirus cases increasing in SA, it’s important to take steps to keep your kids informed, safe and prepared.
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