With countless news outlets and social media forums at our fingertips, and the near-constant influx of information that each provides, it can be difficult to differentiate between fact and fiction. That’s why we’ve consolidated the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest recommendations for families and kids along with Little Rock’s latest guidelines to help us all stay safe as we weather the COVID-19 crisis together.

COVID-19 and Kids

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. In fact, while some infants and children have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up the majority of known cases to date. Children with confirmed cases have generally shown mild symptoms. 

CDC COVID-19 Guidelines for Kids 

The CDC offers the following tips for keeping kids safe during school closures: 

  • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily and, of course, clean hands frequently using soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

  • Launder items, including washable plush toys, as needed.

  • While school is out, children should not have in-person playdates with children from other households. 

    • If playing outside, children should remain at least six feet away from those who do not live in their household.

    • To help maintain social connections, allow kids to have supervised phone calls or video chats with friends.

  • Limit time with older adults and people with underlying medical conditions.

  • Watch for any signs of illness or stress in children.

  • Teach and reinforce everyday preventive actions.

  • Children should remain active both indoors and outdoors to maintain optimal physical and mental health.

  • Help children continue learning by staying in touch with schools. 

    • Follow a schedule, which can be flexible, Monday through Friday to help children maintain structure. 

  • If at all possible keep kids, especially those under 2, out of public areas. If you do take your small children out, here are the updated guidelines:

    • Children 3 and up should wear a fabric mask in public. 
    • Children under 2 should not wear masks. 
    • Wear infants or keep them in a covered car seat or stroller.

Get the full breakdown of the CDC’s recommendations here.

Little Rock COVID-19 Guidelines 

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. has added the following guidelines to ensure public safety:

  • City buildings are closed to the public. This includes all community centers, the Jim Dailey Fitness and Aquatic Center, the Little Rock Zoo, golf courses and tennis facilities.

  • Little Rock residents should avoid being outside of their homes in groups of 10 or more people.

  • Little Rock curfew begins at 9 p.m. and remains in effect until 5 a.m. Find answers to curfew FAQs here.

  • Little Rock minors are under a daytime curfew from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Kids may play in their yard during this time as well as go on a walk or run errands when accompanied by an adult.

View the full index of Little Rock COVID-19 resources here.