Mask Guidance for School-Aged Children
The CDC recommends the use of non-medical grade cloth face coverings in school settings. When used
with other risk mitigating efforts, non-medical grade masks can further reduce the transmission of
SARS-
CoV-2 in public areas and school buildings.
Masks are considered safe for most children and youth over the age of two years. There are very few
exceptions for wearing masks.
Should a child be required to wear a mask during school?
The child has asthma.
Yes
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommends that individuals with asthma wear a mask in public.
The child has a condition such as autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, or a mental health disorder.
Yes
These conditions do
not necessarily justify a
mask exemption unless
the child is unable to
wear a mask without
excessive trauma .
The child cannot communicate clearly while wearing a mask.
Yes
Explore instructional adaptations or use a face mask with a clear plastic insert as appropriate.
The child cannot remove the mask on their own.
No
Encourage the family to consider virtual learning opportunities.
The child is asleep or unconscious.
For more information and tips on mask wearing in schools: https://
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-
guidance.html
At Home Health Screening for Parents and Guardians
Ask these questions at home before sending students to school. Anyone who answers “yes” to one or more of these questions must not enter the school or participate in a school sport or activity.
Within the last 10 days, have you been diagnosed with COVID-19 or had a positive test for the virus?
Have you had any of these symptoms in the last 24 hours?
Fever (defined as a temperature 100.4F or higher)• Chills• New trouble breathing or shortness of breath• New cough• Diarrhea• Abdominal pain• Vomiting• Fatigue• Joint pain• Muscle aches or body aches• New rash• Loss of taste or smell• Sore throat• Headache• New congestion• New runny nose
Do you live in the same household or have you had close contact in the last 14 days with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19? Close contact counts if you have been within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes (cumulative over 24 hrs), or if someone from public health contacted you to let you know you are a contact.
Note: If a child or staff member lives with someone else who was named as a contact, it is okay for the child or staff member to go to school. We do not quarantine contacts of contacts.
STAY HOME or go home immediately if the answer is
YES to one or more questions above. The next step is to call a doctor and consider getting tested for COVID-19. Do not go to the doctor’s office without calling first. Seek emergency care immediately for difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, sleepiness, or other severe problems. Parents / guardians should follow the Return to School Options pathway below to determine when to send students back to school.
DO NOT send student to school with any of the above symptoms.
