Thread by @DearPandemic

1/ Q: My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if #childcare or camps will be available in my area--what will we do with the kids all summer?!?

Our response in this thread.

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A: As states begin to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families to join together to form a “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts).

3/ Creating a larger social "bubble" could help expand social interaction + help families with childcare needs while limiting interactions within a given community.

This @CNN article below outlines several tips for this approach: cnn.com/2020/04/30/hea…
Summary step below

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1. Find a good match for your household. Households considering “bubbling” together should think about the ages and interests of children in each household and ask the following questions:

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Will our kids be a good match for an extended period of time?
Can we schedule an equal balance between work and supervision time for all parents?
Do parents have similar parenting styles and house rules?
Do any kids have behavioral concerns that need special attention?

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2. Set ground rules. Discuss exact expectations for social interactions outside of the “bubble”, if any (i.e., Do individuals in either household work outside the home? Who will grocery shop? How will physical distancing from neighbors and extended family be handled?).

7/ All members of the “bubble” essentially share the same risk of exposure as the person in the “bubble” with most social interactions outside of the "bubble", so agreeing upon (and perhaps periodically revisiting) expectations for the group’s activities will be important.

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3. Monitor contacts with cases and onset of symptoms. If one person in the “bubble” comes in contact with a case or develops symptoms of #COVID, everyone else in the "bubble" should consider themselves to be potentially infected.

9/ If a member of the “bubble” tests positive for, or is presumed to be infected with #Covid_19, that individual should isolate from all other members of the “bubble” to the extent possible. Everyone in the “bubble” should be prepared to self-quarantine for 14 days.

10/ We have a long summer ahead and strategically expanding our social “bubbles”, can help parents navigate childcare needs and improve mental health of both kids and adults in the coming months--while still maintaining a degree of #SocialDistancing.

11/ The CNN article also highlights new research co-authored by fellow DP #nerdygirl @drjenndowd which suggests social interactions between a slightly expanded, but consistent group of people, likely results in less transmission than interaction between different people each day.

12/ Of course, adherence to other guidelines for social distancing in public spaces as well as #handwashing, surface cleaning, #ClothMask use, etc. should be maintained.

Happy Bubble Making!