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Is there evidence that asking children to wear masks at school reduces the spread of the coronavirus?

Sunday, May 2, 2021
By Jacob Alabab-Moser
YES

While evidence remains limited, several studies from around the U.S. and from other countries link mask requirements for schoolchildren to lower rates of coronavirus transmission. An analysis of Florida schools observed higher rates of transmission in districts without mandatory masking policies.

The evidence has led the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to advise that universal masking is effective, especially when physical distancing is not possible. The agency recommends that all children two years and older wear masks. Cloth masks have not been found to produce adverse health effects in children, as long as they do not live with physical or mental conditions that could be exacerbated by wearing masks.

The CDC recently altered its advice for wearing masks in uncrowded outdoor settings, but continues to stress the importance of wearing masks in indoor settings.

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