To protect ourselves and others from COVID-19, the CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings out in public. But what about children? Read on for answers to some frequently asked questions about cloth face coverings and children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why are people wearing cloth face coverings right now?
Since so many people who have COVID-19 don't have symptoms, wearing cloth face coverings reduces the chance of transmitting the virus through the spray of spit or respiratory droplets. This is especially true for when someone with COVID-19 comes within 6 feet of you, which is the range of transmitting infection through acts like sneezing or coughing.
Should children wear cloth face coverings?
Yes. Cloth face coverings can be safely worn by all children 2 years of age and older, including the vast majority of children with special health conditions, with rare exception.
Children under 2 years old should not wear cloth face coverings, though, because of suffocation risk. Also, anyone unconscious or unable to remove a face covering on their own should not wear one.