Since many children across the country are required to wear masks in classrooms, including children as young as 8 years old, parents want to know how they can support their children in using masks.

School is a hotbed of respiratory viruses. This is the perfect way for aerosols to spread when a large number of people gather together for a long time in an indoor area.

In addition to proper ventilation, physical distance and good hygiene, masks can also help reduce the spread of Covid.

So, as all schools in Auckland and Waiaketo will reopen next week, what mask is best for children? How can children increase the likelihood that masks will protect them from Covid?

The main way Covid spreads is through inhalation of infectious aerosols. When people with Covid cough, sneeze, talk or even breathe, they exhale a large number of tiny particles carrying the virus into the air that other people around can breathe.

Evidence from the United States shows that wearing a mask in the classroom may reduce the chance of a child getting the new crown virus from a classmate. The prevalence of children in areas with school mask regulations is about half that of areas without school masks.

Although there are no randomized clinical studies on the use of school masks, data from large community mask use trials supports their ability to reduce the number of symptomatic Covid cases in the community.

The World Health Organization recommends that students aged 12 or older and students aged 6 to 11 use masks under proper supervision.

Masks will not affect children's air exchange or their breathing ability, so they can be used safely. However, students who hide their specific needs should be evaluated based on their specific circumstances.

Masks are not recommended for children 5 years and younger, partly because facial expressions are important for social and emotional learning.

When choosing a mask, pay special attention to the fit; if worn improperly, the mask will lose most of its efficacy. There should not be any gaps around the nose or on the sides of the face.

Although many masks can prevent the infected person from releasing large droplets, a closer fit will improve the filtration of smaller aerosol particles.

Among the available mask varieties, N95 or P2 type has the best filtration efficiency and can capture more than 95% of the particles. Although they need to be tested to ensure that they fit correctly in order to be most effective, they can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.

Surgical masks (disposable masks that you can buy in supermarkets and pharmacies) are the next best filter, with an efficiency of 50-75%.

If a tighter fit is formed around the face, for example, a surgical mask is worn under a cloth mask, or through the "knot and fold" method, the efficiency of the surgical mask can be improved.

This is what we mean by knotting and folding

Although useful for older students, N95 and most surgical masks may not be as effective in protecting young children because many of these masks are designed for adults.

On the other hand, fabric varieties are usually more suitable for children. Being able to use interesting prints and colors can help children feel more comfortable when wearing masks.

However, due to the low filtration efficiency, the use of single-layer cloth masks is generally not recommended. A three-layer mask that fits is much better, and the effect is comparable to that of a surgical mask.

Three floors are better than one.

The recommended use of masks for children is the same as for adults, so:

Although these recommendations may feel relatively complicated, research shows that even children in the first two years of school follow the mask guidelines very well, using them appropriately during an average of 77% of the school day.

In order to get the best results, when the school introduces the mask, it also needs instructions on the use and safety of the mask.

Wearing a mask during outdoor rest and rest is not important because outdoor areas are usually well ventilated.

In indoor areas where masks cannot be used, such as during lunch, encourage physical distance.

*Joel Rindelaub is a researcher at the Faculty of Chemical Science, University of Auckland

Copyright © 2021, Radio New Zealand

Auckland and Waikato students in grades 1 to 10 will resume face-to-face learning from November 17, while the national curriculum and assessment schedules for other students will be relaxed. video

Paul Heyward wrote that as the mandatory deadline approaches, the teaching profession must work hard to figure out how to show the value of manaakitanga to all colleagues, including those who have not been vaccinated.

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