If your child is unwell and needs to stay in the hospital, the doctor will take a swab from your child’s nose and/or mouth to test for the virus that causes COVID-19. This is uncomfortable but not usually painful. The results are usually available after 2-3 days. The nurses and doctors caring for your child will wear extra protective clothing until the results of your child’s test is known. Some hospitals will also perform a COVID-19 test on the adult caregiver/parent who will stay with the child in the ward. This is because some children and adults can have COVID-19 infection but not have any symptoms. Depending on whether your child tests COVID-19 negative or positive, they will be admitted to different wards at the hospital.
How can I prepare my child if they need to be admitted to hospital?
You can help to prepare your child by telling them that everyone at the hospital will be wearing masks and sometimes other protective clothing, to keep the COVID-19 virus from spreading. You can tell them that they may need to have some tests, such as the nose swab and blood tests, but you will be able to stay with them.
What am I allowed and not allowed to take with me?
Please bring your cloth masks, your child’s Road to Health Booklet, your ID and cell phone. Generally, hospitals prefer families not to bring extra blankets and clothes for the child, as these may have the virus on them.
Will I be allowed to stay with my child?
If you have not had contact with COVID-19 infected persons in the last 2 weeks and no current symptoms of COVID-19 infection, you should be able to stay with your child in most wards, except if your child is in the intensive care unit (ICU). If you have COVID -19 symptoms, or have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 10 days, you will not be able to stay with your child. You can ask that another family member who is well comes to stay with your child in hospital in your place.
