DD's preschool and daycare is now requiring masks to be worn when they're outside because "they can't socially distance." This is odd to me. I fully support masks indoors, but it strikes me as a bit much when the kids are outside. What do you all think?
DD is 4.
apricot / 430 posts
If they aren't able to distance themselves, then technically, yes they should we wearing masks outside. Same with people who are walking/running on crowded paths. "Outside" only helps when folks are also distancing. "Inside" masks need to be worn even when people are distancing to keep the virus particles in the indoor air (that is recirculated) down.
4 is hard (my DS is turning 4), but I think they will get used to them more quickly than we think.
persimmon / 1479 posts
@BUNBUN: thanks for responding. Yes, I think she's doing better than I am! I think I'm just feeling sad bc it was so hot here this week and it seems miserable to be running around in 100 degree heat with a mask on.
kiwi / 549 posts
We are sending LO to a completely outdoor preschool and the kids aren’t wearing masks. I’d prefer they do, but I do think the risk is low. Especially since preschoolers are unlikely to really wear the mask properly so the incremental benefit is low. Pretty sure most preschools here (SF) are not requiring masks outside and are only encouraging them inside.
wonderful cherry / 21504 posts
I’m not sure what the rules will be yet, but I can see the reasoning for wearing them outside. I’d rather they be able to play closer to each other wearing masks than no mask and having the teachers to constantly remind them to stay apart.
My kids were playing with our neighbor kids the other night and kept getting right up in each other’s faces so we had them all put on masks and not worry about how close they were. But hopefully they will also get mask breaks at other times!
Also my kids went to camp one week when it was almost 100 degrees 3 out of 5 days. I’d pick them up and have to remind them to take off the masks- they didn’t even care which was very strange to me!
pomelo / 5621 posts
@winter_wonder: a big no. They are outside and should be breathing fresh air.
pomegranate / 3127 posts
Outside as in, in the yard? Seems excessive, based on what I'm seeing in NYC the virus doesn't seem to spread well outdoors. If they're going to a park or something, masks do make sense. I don't think the kids are old enough to stay far away from passerby on their own, and day care staff probably doesn't have the ability to chase all of them away from someone who's walking by coughing.
@Foodnerd81: my kids don't really notice their masks either. Especially the oldest... sometimes he keeps his on way longer than necessary, and then says he was practicing for school 
pomelo / 5257 posts
As far as I know, outdoor transmission has been virtually unheard of, so this seems excessive. And I’m totally pro-mask, always wear mine at the store etc. (that’s really the only place I go inside lol). ETA: aside from outdoor transmission not being a thing, for transmission, I think you need some degree of sustained, close contact. I feel like kids are running around too much for that to happen on a playground. Like one kid chasing another and running very close to them and then away is not really a high-risk situation.
clementine / 920 posts
My DS just turned 5 and they ask that the kids wear masks in the classroom but they do not need them outside on the playground.
pear / 1565 posts
@Foodnerd81: I agree!
But FWIW, my 3.5 year old's pre-k is not requiring mask in or outside anyway. My 5.5 will be in 1st grade and I'm not sure what the policy is for recces. I know they aren't allowed on playground equipment, so they probably will play socially distanced games and therefore can take off mask.
nectarine / 2436 posts
We are in literally a Forest School (Waldorf) in NY and masks are required outdoors. I am also a public high school teacher and it looks like absolutely no mask breaks inside either
I think it's a liability thing. in New York even when outside you have to wear a mask when you can't socially distance. That's why our positivity rate is so low (.6%)
kiwi / 549 posts
Coming back to update because today was our first day of forest (Waldorf-inspired) preschool. Our LO (2.5) would not keep her mask on but most of the other older kids did. Teachers are encouraging of masks but not forcing it, which is in line with the regulations here. We’re going to work with LO to wear her mask.
pomelo / 5258 posts
@winter_wonder: I'm sorry. I the rest of the class stays healthy. Distanced hugs to you as you start your 14 days.
kiwi / 549 posts
@winter_wonder: oh no! I’m sorry! I hope you all stay healthy. Did they close the whole school?
persimmon / 1479 posts
@JJ2626: no. Just the 4/5 year old room. Also, siblings are still able to attend if they are in a other room...which seems weird to me?
I'm sure this is the first of many time this will happen. Ugh.
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