The various experts also discussed a possible mouth mask obligation in primary education. But they have decided to discourage such an obligation at this point. “Forcing young children to wear a mouth mask is not a matter of course”, says virologist Steven Van Gucht. “And it is important not to lose sight of other effective measures. The ventilation of the classrooms, for example.”
Moreover, the experts argue, it is far from certain that primary schools are the driving force behind an increasing number of infections. “Research on this must be interpreted well,” says Van Gucht. “Infections more often happen at home or within the family through an infected family member. It is also not yet clear how contagious children really are.”
According to Van Gucht, it is also important not to just copy policy from abroad. In Italy, for example, mouth masks are also compulsory in primary schools. “But one should not play panic football, wearing a mouth mask is not a magic solution.” Van Gucht wants to emphasize the pursuit of an integrated policy. And with regard to the mouth mask obligation for young children, the advantages do not outweigh the disadvantages, it sounds.
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