PARENTS and guardians in Warwickshire are being reminded they should not place face coverings on babies and children under the age of three.
The wearing of masks in shops and supermarkets became law today. Users of public transport are already required to cover their faces.
Warwickshire County Council community safety spokesman Coun Andy Crump said: “Placing face coverings on babies and young children creates both a suffocation and strangulation hazard.”
“Trading standards are therefore urging Warwickshire’s parents and guardians to follow the government’s guidance and not place face coverings on babies and children under the age of three.”
Babies and young children will find it harder to breathe through a mask or covering because they have smaller airways, increasing the risk of suffocation. Young children are also at risk of becoming tangled in their masks and that could result in a serious injury.
Warwickshire Trading Standards is aware that there are already face coverings being produced and marketed for very young children, some incorporating baby soothers/pacifiers and without any age guidance, while others state they are suitable for ages two plus. These appear mostly to be being sold via the internet and on social media.
Residents are being urged to report the marketing of face coverings for babies and children under the age of three to Warwickshire Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
In places where people are now required to wear a face covering, such as shops and supermarkets, children under the age of 11 are exempt.
