May 18, 2021

Adherence to Masking Requirement During the COVID-19 Pandemic by Early Elementary School Children

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions

Keywords (Tags): masking, non-pharm interventions, schools

• Observed mask adherence was on average 77% throughout a school day among pre-K to 2nd grade students participating in in-school instruction in an observational survey (n=1,000) across 15 private schools in Atlanta, GA during Fall 2020. Mask adherence, as observed by teachers for 1,048 classroom days, was lowest among Pre-K students (50-60%) and highest among 2nd grade students (85-90%). Teachers reported that the most challenging time of day was following recess and lunch. Overall, masks were well-tolerated by students.

Mickells et al. (May 16, 2021). Adherence to Masking Requirement During the COVID-19 Pandemic by Early Elementary School Children. Journal of School Health. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.13033