In most parts of Canada, students are heading back to class for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started, and parents have a lot of questions about how to properly prepare their kids to wear face masks at school.
According to the medical director for infection prevention and control at the University Health Network in Toronto, although face masks are not a fail-safe way of preventing the spread of COVID-19, it is not surprising that parents have a lot of questions about their use.
How effective are face masks at keeping schools safe from COVID?
Face masks are an important piece of the picture, but infectious disease experts warn they are not enough on their own to manage outbreaks.
Do not rely solely on face masks over other measures such as reducing contact numbers, increasing physical distancing, washing hands, and having good ventilation in the space.
Different regions of Canada have made decisions on mask policy based on a number of factors, including the current level of transmission in the area. In other parts of the world, there are school systems that have used them and the school systems that haven’t, and they’ve both had success stories.
Are the face shields acceptable alternatives?
Compared to the standard face masks, no one know how effective face shields are at preventing the spread of COVID-19. Sadly, there is not enough evidence in favor of using face shields on their own, without the use of a mask at the same time.
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Learn how to stay safe by enrolling in a mask fitting test which is a requirement for many workplaces and school admissions or the available masks for sale by visiting our face mask sale page.
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CDC – Cloth Face Coverings Information: Downloadable Guide
CDC – Cloth Face Coverings: Guidelines for COVID-19 Prevention
FDA – N95 Respirators and Surgical Masks: Important Information