Coronavirus: There’s no scientific evidence that masks can harm kids - but plenty saying they reduce the transmission of Covid
- Rumours on social media, especially in the US, claim that masks can foster germs or cause unhealthy levels of carbon dioxide, but medical experts say these are untrue
- There is strong evidence that wearing masks in schools, as well as social distancing, is highly effective for fighting Covid-19
Masks are still one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce Covid-19 transmission.Can wearing masks to protect against coronavirus actually harm kids and negatively affect their health?
No, there is no scientific evidence showing masks cause harm to kids, despite baseless claims suggesting otherwise.
The claims are circulating on social media and elsewhere just as virus outbreaks are hitting many reopened US schools - particularly those without mask mandates.
Among the unfounded arguments: Masks can foster germs if they become moist or cause unhealthy levels of carbon dioxide. But experts say washing masks routinely keeps them safe and clean.
Some argue that young children miss important visual and social cues that enhance learning and development when their classmates and teachers are wearing masks. But others note that children with vision or hearing impairments learn to adapt and that other kids can, too.
“We do not know for sure that masks have no developmental effects, but we do know that there are adverse effects from not trying to stop transmission,’’ said Dr. Emily Levy, a critical care and infection control expert at Mayo Clinic Children’s Centre, a world-famous hospital in the US state of Minnesota.
There’s strong evidence that masking children in schools can reduce Covid-19 transmission to other children and adults.
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Across 166 schools in Maricopa County, in the US state of Arizona, Covid-19 outbreaks are two times more common at those without mask mandates, said Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, medical director of the county’s public health department.
Studies from school districts in other states, including North Carolina, have also found that masking can greatly reduce Covid-19 transmission rates, especially when it’s combined with physical distancing and other prevention measures.
“One thing that we know about prevention, about infection control is that there isn’t a single intervention that will win the day,’’ said Dr. Joshua Schaffzin, director of infection prevention and control at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, in the US state of Ohio.
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But he noted there’s plenty of evidence that masking is a key component in making schools safer.
To avoid skin irritation, doctors suggest washing fabric masks regularly, making sure they fit properly and picking masks made with soft, breathable fabric.