A number of states have started to drop mask mandates following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated guidelines. Released last February 25, the CDC has advised that people can wear masks indoors when there is a high risk of COVID transmission.

Even before the updated CDC guidelines, states like Connecticut, New Jersey and Delaware have announced that they were dropping their mask mandates ahead of the CDC guidelines. In line with these changes, everyone is challenged again to adapt to this new normal, most especially young children who might be anxious, confused, or stressed with these new mask guidelines.

In order to ensure young children, especially those under 5 who are old enough to wear a mask but too young to be eligible for a vaccine, are prepared for the changes and ease them slowly into another new normal they need to adapt to, here are some things you can do as a parent or provider.

Be updated with the center’s most recent masking guidelines.

It might be that the center may have dropped mask guidelines for young children indoors while adults may still be required to mask. Whatever the case may be, it’s best to get in touch with the teacher or director for the most recent guidance so that it can be shared with the children even before school week or child care resumes. While teachers and childcare providers will also guide children when or when not to wear a mask, children knowing what to anticipate lowers their confusion and questions about masking protocols.
For example, the state of Rhode Island has released a guideline saying kids and staff who have been exposed to COVID-19 but are otherwise asymptomatic may still be able to attend childcare by using a test-to-stay program and wearing a mask.

Letting children understand some may wear masks even when mask mandates have been dropped.

While the general consensus for some states have been to drop mask mandates, explain to young children that some people may continue to practice mask-wearing because of other factors. It may help them understand and refrain from asking why other people are still wearing masks.
If you have a relative who, due to some health concerns, might be wearing a mask, you can use them as an example to drive the idea home for a young child.

Do mask practices for situations that require a mask.

Young children can easily pick up habits and can be coached to know when to mask or not. Practice donning a mask before going outdoors so that they would know the safe way to mask and remove a mask while ensuring the transmission of COVID is avoided.
You can also ask the child when he/she thinks it’s appropriate to wear a mask or not to wear a mask to see whether the child has a good enough understanding of the situations when he/she may be required to wear one.
This is also a good opportunity to answer their questions and when to direct them to a present adult to ask for guidance if you aren’t around.

While dropping mask mandates can be seen as a good sign that the pandemic is waning, young children who only know what it’s like to mask when going outdoors for the majority of their young life may experience confusion. It is imperative that adults present guide them so that they can easily adapt to another new normal yet again.