Summary
All schools in Hong Kong were closed in April 2003 to prevent the spread of SARS. This paper considers the influence of the SARS epidemic on children’s routines and behaviour when preschools re-opened, after a six-week closure. Observations were made in 20 kindergartens and principals of another 10 kindergartens completed questionnaires. The influence of SARS was evident in all preschools, be it through teachers and students wearing masks, notices on hand washing or the provision of alcohol dispensers for hand disinfection. The outbreak impacted noticeably upon children’s routines and social exchanges. In all schools, physical contact among children and sharing of food were not allowed. Children were also prohibited from talking to their peers when they had removed their masks. The SARS outbreak provided us a “natural experiment” to consider the influence of epidemics on preschools.
Keywords: SARS, Preschools, Early childhood education
Résumé
En avril 2003, toutes les écoles de Hong Kong ont été fermés pour empêcher la propagation du SRAS. Cet article considère l’influence de l’épidémie de SRAS sur les routines et le comportement des enfants une fois que les établissements préscolaires ont été réouverts, aprés une fermeture de six semaines. On a fait des observations dans 20 jardins d’enfants et les directeurs d’autres 10 jardins d’enfants ont rempli des questionnaires. L’influence du SRAS était évidente dans tous les établissements où les éducateurs et les élèves portaient des masques, il y avait des indications sur le lavage des mains ou bien on a placé des dispenseurs d’alcool pour la désinfection des mains. L’éruption a affecté de manière perceptible les routines et les échanges sociaux des enfants. Dans toutes les écoles, on n’a pas permis le contact physique parmi des petits même que le partage de la nourriture. Des enfants ont été également interdits de parler à leurs pairs quand ils avaient enlevé leurs masques. L’éruption du SRAS nous a fourni “une expérience naturelle” pour considérer l’influence des épidémies chez les établissements préscolaires.
Resumen
El SARS — rutinas y comportamiento de los niños pequeños: El estudio da cuenta de observaciones realizadas en establecimientos preescolares en Hong-Kong. Todo ello nace ya que en abril de 2003, todas las escuelas de Hong-Kong cerraron para evitar la propagación del SARS. Este artículo analiza la influencia de esta alerta de epidemia, en la rutina y el comportamiento de los niños / as. Cuando se reabrieron los establecimientos preescolares, que debieron permanecer cerrados durante 6 semanas, se realizaron observaciones en 20 jardines infantiles y los directores de otros 10 jardines respondieron cuestionarios. El SARS y las medidas que se tomaban para evitar posibles contagios, influyeron en forma evidente en todos los establecimientos preescolares, ya que educadores y estudiantes usaban máscaras, se colocaron avisos que advertian la importancia de lavarse las manos o se instaló una gran cantidad de dispensadores con alcohol para desinfectarse las manos. El brote y las medidas de prevención, afectaron en forma perceptible la rutina y el intercambio social de los niños. En todas las escuelas, se prohibió el contacto fisico entre los pequeños, los que tampoco podían compartir alimentos. Además, a los niños no les estaba permitido hablar con sus pares si se habían quitado la máscara. El brote de SARS nos proporcionó un “experimento natural” para analizar la influencia de las epidemias en los establecimientos preescolares.
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