The High Council of Public Health (HCSP) updates its recommendations on mask wearing within childcare settings for 0 to 3 years old kids (collective day-care centers, at home care, and social establishments for child welfare).

It takes into account the evolution of knowledge on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in children, recommendations in other countries as well as the perception of the risk of transmission from paediatricians and Maternal and Infant Protection (PMI) managers.

The HCSP proposes two prevention strategies that adapt hygiene measures to the level of virus circulation.

It also specifies the circumstances in which adults should wear masks when caring for 0-3 years old children, depending on the type of care (collective or individual), the level of virus circulation in the general population (active or under control) and the children’s condition (behavioural or social disabilities). Masks with a transparent window, such as those validated by the France’s defence procurement agency, should be preferred for interactions with certain children.

Masks should not be worn by young children.