WHO experts believe that children aged 12 and older should wear medical masks like adults to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
As recommended in a joint WHO / UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) document, children aged 12 and over should especially wear a mask when social distancing cannot be guaranteed.
Older children have the potential to play a more active role in the transmission of coronavirus than younger children.
Experts agree that for children between the ages of six and 11, wearing protective equipment varies depending on a number of factors, including the intensity of transmission of coronavirus in the area of residence and access to masks, as well as interactions with other people.
At the same time, organizations are confident that wearing masks is not necessary for children under five years old.