CoVID-19: WHO recommends masks for children over 12

 

CoVID-19: WHO recommends masks for children over 12

GENEVA: The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday advised that children over the age of 12 should wear masks like adults to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic.

The United Nations Health Agency, in collaboration with UNICEF, released a new guideline on Friday when it is appropriate for children to wear masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus crisis.

The two UN agencies called on a group of experts to review the limited data available on the benefits of wearing children's masks, as well as children's cooperation in the spread of COVID-19.

Based on these findings, as well as consideration of children's developmental needs, he said the advice varies across age groups.

The WHO suggests that "kids 12 years old or more established should wear a similar cover as adults, especially when they cannot guarantee a distance of at least one meter from others and There is across the board transmission in the zone. "

The document acknowledges that little is known about the degree to which children contribute to the spread of the Coronavirus.

But he said that although there was limited evidence that young children were less likely to be infected than adults, the data indicated that adolescents "played a more active role in transmission than young children." Can pay ".

UN agencies say children under the age of five should not wear masks.

"It depends on the youngster's security and generally intrigue and the capacity to utilize a veil appropriately with negligible assistance," he said.

But he said that in certain circumstances it may be advisable for children between the ages of six and eleven to wear masks in areas where there is widespread transmission of the virus, or in settings where children are older or other people. Keep in touch If they get infected with the virus, they have a higher risk of developing a serious illness.

For such young children, however, an adult should be present to monitor that they are using the mask safely, and to consider the potential effects on their learning and development.

According to the new guidelines, "the use of masks should not be mandatory" for children of any age who have developmental disorders, disabilities or other specific health conditions that may interfere with wearing masks.

It also recommends that children not be asked to wear a mask when playing sports or engaging in physical activity "so as not to compromise their breathing", but to keep a reasonable distance from others and together. The importance of limiting the number of children playing is also emphasized.