State says children should wear masks all day in school, except for meals and other short breaks

State says children should wear masks all day in school, except for meals and other short breaks

By Brett Sholtis, WITF

August 19, 2020

Clarifying a statement made last week, Department of Health Doctor Secretary Rachel Levine says all school children should wear masks during class – and she recommends against youth sports until next year. 

As parents plan for their children to return to school, confusing, often conflicting information abounds on social media over what is expected of students. 

Health Secretary Levine says it’s simple: With very few exceptions, students should be wearing masks while in class.  

It’s okay to take mask breaks, Levine notes, and there are guidelines for how to safely do that. 

Levine is also urging parents to follow the state’s recommendation not to participate in youth sports until next year, noting that the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association is acknowledging the risks of contact sports like football to spread COVID-19.

“So the idea that children don’t get COVID-19 is incorrect, and the idea that children can’t get sick from COVID-19 is incorrect. They can,” said Levine. 

Levine’s guidelines have rankled some state lawmakers who have sought to relax rules around coronavirus precautions. 

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