Wear a mask

The CDC and WHO recommend wearing cloth face masks in public places where it's difficult to avoid close contact with others, and schools are no exception. This advice is based on data showing that people with COVID-19 can transmit the virus before realizing that they have it.

If your child's school requires or encourages the use of cloth face masks, consider these tips:

• Wearing cloth face masks should be a priority especially when it's hard to maintain social distance, such as on the bus, at carpool drop-off or pickup, and when entering the building.
• Have multiple cloth face masks available for your child. Provide your child with a clean mask and back-up mask each day and a clean, resealable bag for them to store the mask when they can't wear it, such as at lunch.
• Label your child's mask clearly so it's not confused with another child's.
• Practice properly putting on and taking off cloth face masks with your child while avoiding touching the cloth portions.
• Remind your child that they should clean their hands before and after touching their mask.
• Instruct your child to never share or trade masks with others.
• Talk to your child about the importance of wearing a face mask and model wearing them as a family.
• Discuss with your child why some people may not be able to wear face masks for medical reasons.

Don't place a face mask on a child younger than age 2, a child who has any breathing problems, or a child who has a condition that would prevent him or her from being able to remove the mask without help.