Coronavirus: Masks too dangerous for children under two
The children under the age of 2 should not wear masks as they can make breathing difficult and increase the risk of choking, a Japan-based medical group said. The medical group has appealed the same to parents as the country reopens from the coronavirus crisis.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday lifted a state of emergency for Tokyo and four remaining areas after the number of coronavirus cases fell across Japan. Meanwhile, Shinzo warned that it could be reimposed if the virus started spreading again.
To prevent the further spread of coronavirus, the health experts across the world are recommending people to wear masks when it is difficult to maintain social distancing as the countries loosen restrictions following coronavirus lockdown.
However, the Japan Pediatric Association has warned the parents that the masks are too risky for the infants.
The association stated that the masks can make breathing difficult as the infants have narrow air passages that increase the burden on their hearts. Adding, it said that the masks also raise the risk of heatstroke for them.
The association, in a notice, said on its website, “Let’s stop the use of masks for children under 2-years-old.” It also said that there were very few serious coronavirus cases among children and that most kids became infected from family members, with almost no outbreaks at schools or daycare facilities.
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Meanwhile, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics have also said that children under the age of two should not wear cloth face coverings.
-PTC News
