Yesterday was a long awaited day for the little ones. The under 14s went back to the street accompanied by their parents after staying at home for more than a month.
During that hour of walking, they were seen playing ball, riding a bicycle or scooter and walking with their parents, but always individually.
The psychologist and expert in Systemic Therapy, Alicia Gutiérrez, recalls that children can live this moment with illusion and joy, but there can also be moments of frustration at not being able to play in the parks or with other children.
Although the rules decreed by the Government for this departure, which would be the first step towards deconfinement, were very clear, not everyone complied with them.
What can and cannot be done?
Maximum one-hour outings are allowed between nine in the morning and nine at night. One adult may accompany up to three children under the age of 14, but both parents are not allowed to go out together. This was the rule most often disregarded.
Yesterday whole families could be seen strolling in the parks and promenades, despite the Government’s instructions. Crowds should be avoided at all costs and, although part of the society complied with it to the letter, others did not find it too important.
Alicia Gutiérrez warns that she feels some concern about these outings and the high concentrations of people and, also, because in the end children are children and feel the need to touch everything, so they can become a high source of contagion.
As recommendations, the psychologist points out that the best thing to do is to go out to an open space and prepare some activity to play with the children. It is a matter of activating them and encouraging them to do physical exercise so that they can go home relaxed.
Should they wear masks?
This is the big question that still raises doubts today. It is not mandatory for minors to wear masks, although it is advisable if they walk in crowded areas where it is difficult to respect the distance measures (minimum 1 meter).
But what example do parents set?
In the psychologist’s opinion, adults are misusing masks and gloves, as we have seen how several of them smoke with their gloves on or pull down their masks when it bothers them.
If parents, who are the referents of their children, do not comply with the appropriate sanitary measures, how can we expect their children to do so?
The main thing is to set an example. That is why, before leaving home, it is important for parents to remind their children of the necessary hygiene measures and the importance of complying with the safety distance.
Until yesterday we were the only European country that had not yet allowed the exit of the smallest ones after the state of alarm was decreed.
In this sense, Alicia Gutiérrez points out that although this first test is an experiment and the viral load that will be unleashed after the partial deconfinement measure remains to be seen, in her opinion there is more chance of winning by being cautious than risky.
It will be necessary to wait and evaluate these first steps and, consequently, whether they will be applicable to the rest of society.
For the moment, the President of the Government, Pedro Sanchez, is considering allowing people to go for walks and do sport from May 2, although it remains to be seen whether this will finally be the case.
Finally, remember that Top Doctors specialists continue working to take care of your health, even when you are at home. Through the telemedicine service you will be able to solve your doubts without waiting.