[Lifting of Mask Mandate] Paediatrician states two viruses are still active in children's places and does not recommend certain individuals remove their masks.

Dr. Chan Yan-wing stated that in the past two months, despite the continued mask mandate, certain viruses have been particularly prevalent in children. ”Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a virus causing upper respiratory tract infections, has a very high transmission rate among children in environments like kindergartens and playgroups. RSV is similar to common cold viruses but is more likely to affect the trachea, leading to tracheitis or bronchitis, and symptoms can be more severe in infants and young children. Additionally, parainfluenza virus and coronavirus (OC43) are also common in children. Children can still get infected even with masks on, let alone when they take them off, which naturally increases the chance of illness.”

As masks are effective in preventing upper respiratory tract diseases spread by droplets, Dr. Chan points out that as children belong to a high-risk group and are weaker than older children or adults in terms of their ability to defend against viruses, their practices, and their mindset, therefore, everyone is advised to continue wearing masks in the following situations:

1. Parents themselves, when feeling unwell, will also need to wear a mask to protect themselves or others.

2. If a large number of people show symptoms of being unwell at a school or workplace, it's also advisable to wear a mask to prevent airborne transmission of germs.

Dr Chan shared that recently a parent brought their child to see him and pointed out that out of the 20 children in their child's class, 13 had symptoms of illness and had to take sick leave.

“Even when wearing masks at school, because children have snack breaks and will remove their masks to eat and interact, it's still easy to get infected with bacteria. Therefore, it is recommended and encouraged for children to continue wearing masks if they feel unwell or are worried about infection. If everyone else is not wearing a mask, continuing to wear one will naturally offer protection. This is certainly less risky than everyone having symptoms and then removing their masks.”

He estimated that the current slowdown in the epidemic and the decrease in COVID-19 infection rates were due to many people having been infected or vaccinated, but he also indicated that parents should not force children to continue wearing masks.

If parents receive messages in their group chats about many classmates or friends being ill, they might suggest children wear masks to protect themselves and prevent the spread of germs via droplets. Parents need not worry about children's breathing being affected by wearing masks long-term; especially in recent years, many children have become uncomfortable without them after taking them off, asking their parents to put them back on.