The Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MIAAP) recommends universal mask-wearing in school for student’s two years and older and school staff attending school in-person, regardless of vaccination status.
Face masks have been proven to be effective at reducing the transmission of COVID-19 by about 85%. Two recent studies have confirmed that schools with mask-wearing requirements have a reduced chance of COVID transmission. Face masks are a crucial layer of protection to prevent spread of COVID along with handwashing, physical distancing, staying home when sick, and vaccination when available. These measures protect students, staff, families, and the larger community,
In-person schooling provides the best environment for children to learn, access needed resources like free breakfast and lunch programs, and maintain social interactions important for a child or adolescent’s mental and physical health. Keeping students in school uninterrupted will be best achieved through universal mask wearing.
Many families have questions about whether their child should be exempt from wearing a mask. In truth almost all people, including young children, can wear masks safely. Students with the following conditions may need accommodations and/or exemptions to remain in school:
1. A child with a severe autism spectrum disorder who becomes agitated wearing a mask.
2. A child with a severe psychiatric or behavioral disorder that is specifically exacerbated by wearing a mask (e.g. severe anxiety disorder or sensory processing disorder)
3. A child with a disability that prevents them from removing the mask without assistance.
Beyond these categories, there are no medical diagnoses that warrant blanket exemptions from wearing a mask. Specifically, asthma, allergies, and sinus disease are not contraindications to wearing a mask.
Families may struggle with getting their children to wear a mask. The AAP provides helpful tips for parents to normalize mask-wearing and make children feel more comfortable:
Pediatrician Face Mask Exemption Template
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html
Jehn M, McCullough JM, Dale AP, et al. Association Between K–12 School Mask Policies and School-Associated COVID-19 Outbreaks — Maricopa and Pima Counties, Arizona, July–August 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1372–1373. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7039e1
Budzyn SE, Panaggio MJ, Parks SE, et al. Pediatric COVID-19 Cases in Counties With and Without School Mask Requirements — United States, July 1–September 4, 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1377–1378. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7039e3