The masks should not be mandatory for children under five, says WHO |UN news

An international and multidisciplinary group of experts gathered by the World Health Organization examined the tests on COVID-19 and its transmission in children, as well as the limited available tests on the child use of masks.

From that analysis and taking into account other factors, such as psychosocial needs and milestones of children's development, WHO and UN Fund for Childhood (UNICEF) recommended that the use of a mask should not be mandatory forChildren under five years, for the sake of security and the general interest of the child and given their inability to properly use a mask with minimal assistance.

WHO and UNICEF recommend that the decision to use masks in children between 6 and 11 years is based on the following factors:

WHO and UNICEF recommend that children from 12 years use.

The organizations advise, however, to always consult and respect the practices recommended by local authorities.

© UNICEF/Frank DejonghNiños en Côte d'Ivoire utilizan mascarillas en la escuela.

The masks that children should use

Children who, in general, enjoy good health can put hygienic or cloth masks.Thus it is possible to control the origin, that is, it is avoided to transmit the virus to other people if the child is infected and is not aware that it is.

The adult who facilitates the fabric mask must ensure that it is the right size and covers the nose, mouth and chin of the child sufficiently.

Children with underlying health problems such as cystic fibrosis, cancer or immunodeference must, in consultation with their medical service providers, carry medical or surgical masks.

Medical masks reduce the propagation of the virus and protect the user and are recommended for anyone who has a higher risk of seriously ill from the COVID-19.

The correct way to use the mask

Children must follow the same principles as adults regarding the use of masks.This includes cleaning your hands before putting the mask for at least 20 seconds if a hydroalcoholic gel is used or at least 40 seconds if water and soap are used.

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It is necessary to ensure that the mask is the right size to cover the nose, mouth and chin.Children should be taught to use the mask correctly and, among other things, not to touch the front of the mask, not to pull it towards the chin or put it in the mouth.They must save the mask in a bag or an envelope and not share it with anyone.

© UNICEF/Daniele VolpeNiños guatemaltecos estudian desde su casa siguiendo las guías del Ministerio de Educación durante la pandemia de COVID-19.

Children with Covid-19 masks

All children who have symptoms that suggest the presence of Covid -19 must have a medical mask on all the time they can endure it.The child must be isolated and request medical assistance as soon as he begins to feel bad, even if the symptoms are mild.Family members or caregivers who approach less than one meter from the sick child at home must also wear a mask.

Any member of the home that is sick or that has tested positive in a test of the COVID-19 must be isolated from everyone else, if possible.If the child approaches less than one meter from a sick person at home, both the adult and the child must carry a medical mask on that time.

The masks and sport

It is not recommended that children get the mask while practicing sports or physical activities, such as running, jumping or playing in the recess, so that they do not affect breathing.When these types of activities are organized for children, it is importanthand hygiene and foster its use.

© UNICEF/Yareidy PerdomoUna mujer y sus niños se lavan las manos en una instalación puesta por UNICEF en Boa Vista, Brasil.

The masks and viewers as an alternative option

In the context of the COVID-19, it is possible that some children cannot use the masks, either by certain disabilities or in specific situations, such as in the speech therapy classes, in which the teacher needs to see their mouths.

In these cases, protective masks can be considered an alternative to masks, but do not provide equivalent protection to avoid transmitting the virus to other people.

If a mask is decided, it must cover the whole face, surround it on both sides and extend up to the chin.In addition, care must be taken when using them to avoid breaking and causing eye or face injuries.

© UNICEF/Pavel ZmeyUna trabajadora social y una psicóloga reparten cuadernos para colorear a estos niños en el este de Ucrania durante una visita para conocer a la familia.

Adults should use mask with children

In generalized transmission areas, all adults under 60 years of age and who enjoy good health in general should put a fabric mask when they cannot guarantee a distance of at least one meter of others.This is particularly important for adults who work with children and who can have close contact with children and among them.

People 60 years and older have some underlying condition, such as heart disease, diabetes or lung cancer, must carry a medical or surgical mask, since they have an increased risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19.

Here more information can be found, including videos on how to put on and take off the mask and how to keep it.

This article was originally published by the WHO and adapted by news UN.