Governor John Carney and the Delaware Division of Public Health on Monday announced an update to Delaware’s face coverings guidance for children.
All children who are in kindergarten or older must wear face coverings in public settings, including school buildings, according to the updated guidance.
Many schools are staying with remote learning this fall. However, some public districts and private schools will move to a hybrid model with in-class and remote learning.
All children two years of age and older are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings in public. Children younger than two must not wear face coverings due to suffocation risk, a release stated. A child with a medical condition that makes it hard to breathe or a disability that prevents the child from wearing a face covering is not required to wear the covering.
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The updated guidance will be included this week in a modification to Governor Carney’s State of Emergency order.
“The evidence could not be more clear that wearing face coverings is the best thing we can all do to keep our communities healthy,” said Carney. “I know masks can be uncomfortable at times for children and adults. But if we stay vigilant and work together, we’ll continue to make real progress against this virus.”
There has been growing evidence that children can spread the virus and a small percentage of children who have caught the virus have reported serious side effects.
The State of Delaware will not enforce mask use among children but encourages parents to refer to materials from DPH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for information on wearing face coverings properly, and the benefits of wearing a face covering during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Facemasks are required for adults in stores, restaurants and other areas.
