Biden health official supports mask-wearing for 2-year-olds.

Controversy Surrounding Mask Mandate for Young Children

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra has faced criticism for a policy requiring 2-year-olds to wear masks in order to participate in a low-income financial assistance program.

The Head Start program, managed by HHS, provides education, nutrition, and parental engagement services for low-income families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HHS implemented a rule mandating that children aged birth to five years old be vaccinated and wear face masks while participating in the program.

Opponents of the policy argue that the low proportion of COVID-19 deaths among young children does not justify the mask requirement. According to provisional figures by the CDC, children aged zero to 4 years old accounted for less than a tenth of a percent of COVID deaths, with other health conditions often contributing to these cases. The majority of COVID-19 deaths occurred in individuals over 65 years old.

Furthermore, critics express concerns about the potential negative effects of masking on children’s social and intellectual development. Facial expressions play a crucial role in human social development, and masks can hinder the clarity of these cues. There are fears that children raised during the pandemic may experience long-term developmental and social issues.

Another point of contention is the effectiveness of masks against COVID-19. Critics argue that the virus is smaller than the spaces between mask fibers, rendering masks less effective. Studies have suggested that masking may have little impact on the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19.

Despite these concerns, Secretary Becerra defended the mask mandate when questioned by Rep. Kevin Kiley. He emphasized the importance of masks in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and saving lives.

Opposition to the Mask Mandate

Republicans have long sought to repeal the policy, which requires children and staff at Head Start facilities to wear masks and be vaccinated. In April 2022, Reps. David Joyce and Mariannette Miller-Meeks introduced a resolution to end the mandate.

Rep. Joyce stated, “The federal government should not be using taxpayer dollars to force children as young as two years old to wear face masks. If parents or individual Head Start programs choose to mask themselves or their kids, they have every right to do so. But the federal government should not interfere in that decision-making process, especially considering that children are at the lowest risk for COVID-19 but are most likely to experience developmental setbacks from prolonged masking.”

The controversy surrounding the mask mandate highlights the ongoing debate over the appropriate measures to combat COVID-19 while considering the potential impact on children’s well-being and development.