WHO Recommends Against Face Masks for Kids in Community Settings Under Age 5

By Kelly Young

Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH, and Jaye Elizabeth Hefner, MD

The World Health Organization recommends that children in the community setting under age 5 not wear masks as a preventive measure against COVID-19 in recent guidance on mask use.

The decision was based on expert opinion on childhood developmental milestones, challenges with mask compliance, and the autonomy required to wear a mask properly. If countries use a 2- or 3-year age cutoff for recommending masks, then children should be directly supervised by adults to ensure compliance, particularly when masks are expected to be worn for longer periods.

For youths aged 6 to 11 years, a risk-based approach should consider intensity of local transmission, a child's ability to comply, whether they live with at-risk adults, and other factors. Adolescents aged 12 years and older should follow mask guidance for adults.

Mask use should not be required for any child with developmental disorders, disabilities, or other health conditions that could interfere with wearing a mask.

The WHO also notes that face shields only provide eye protection "and should not be considered as an equivalent to masks with respect to respiratory droplet protection and/or source control."