Guidance on Using Masks & Cloth Face Coverings
This article was updated on November 22, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.
In regards to wearing a mask/cloth face covering to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, the message is clear:
On April 3, Governor Tom Wolf recommended all Pennsylvanians wear a mask when leaving home for life-sustaining reasons: https://bit.ly/UniversalMaskWearingRecommended
Frequently Asked Questions
On June 26, Gov. Wolf reminded everyone that wearing masks is mandatory in all Pennsylvania businesses: https://bit.ly/MasksInPABusinesses
On July 1, Gov. Wolf expanded the order that he and Dr. Rachel Levine issued in April to mandate that a mask must be worn anytime someone leaves their home under the Disease Prevention & Control Act: https://bit.ly/MaskOrderExpandedInPA
On July 5, Gov. Wolf reminded Pennsylvanians that mask-wearing is required and critical to prevent the spread of COVID-19: https://bit.ly/UniversalMasksCritical
On November 16, Gov. Wolf implemented additional mitigation efforts: https://bit.ly/3fVV2B9
UPDATE: The Office of Childhood Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) issued a revised health and safety guidance on September 29 about reopening child care operations during COVID-19 per recommendations from the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) and Pennsylvania Department of Health:
In regards to the use of masks/cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in early learning programs:
Child care staff are required to wear cloth face coverings. Children 2 years old and older are required to wear a face covering as described in the Order of the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health Order for Universal Face Coverings, unless you fit one of the exceptions included in Section 3 of the Order.
UPDATED ON NOVEMBER 16, 2020: According to the Governor’s order and DHS regulation, staff must wear a mask while working with young children. Because staying six feet away from children, whether indoors or outdoors, is unlikely to happen, it is vitally important that staff wear a mask at all times so they can give children the care and attention they need.
Although DHS is not issuing citations for mask wearing among children, masks are still expected for children older than age 2, this includes while outdoors. There is no evidence that masks impede breathing while exercising. Masks are only to be removed while children eat and sleep.
If a child 2 years old or older is unable to remove a face covering without assistance, the child is not required to wear one.
On July 10, OCDEL released an announcement to provide clarification regarding health and safety compliance during COVID-19 to licensed child care providers and child care certification representatives who conduct monitoring visits and complaint investigations. Effective July 17, 2020, child care certification representatives will cite child care programs operating out of compliance with four Critical Elements including the requirement that child care staff wear masks or face coverings.
Getting younger children to be comfortable wearing face coverings and to keep them on may create some difficulties. Under these circumstances, the Department of Health suggests that parents, guardians, licensed child care providers in community-based and school settings, or responsible persons consider prioritizing the wearing of face coverings to times when it is difficult for the child to maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet from others who are not a part of their household (e.g., during carpool drop off or pick up, or when standing in line at school).
Ensuring proper face covering size and fit and providing children with frequent reminders and education on the importance and proper wearing of cloth face coverings may help address these issues.