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Parents should not buy face masks for children under three because they can cause choking and suffocation, Public Health England has warned.
The public health body made the announcement on the eve of face coverings becoming mandatory in shops throughout the UK.
It made the move after becoming aware that masks and covering are being sold aimed at youngsters.
Professor Viv Bennett, chief nurse at the agency, said: ‘PHE has been made aware that face coverings for babies and very young children are available for sale in England.
‘Guidance is clear that children under the age of three years should not wear face coverings or masks.
‘These masks should not be used as they are potentially dangerous and can cause choking and suffocation.
‘If you or your child is unwell with the symptoms of Covid-19, then you should get a test and stay at home until you get the result.’
Parents should not buy face masks for children under three because they can cause choking and suffocation, Public Health England has warned (stock picture)
Government advice states that any child who is not able to remove the masks on their own should not be wearing any face covering.
It’s important the masks are not making it difficult for the child to breathe and it is safe for them.
Doctors have previously said that masks make inhaling and exhaling more difficult for children under two-years-old given they have smaller airways, which could lead to suffocation.
The NHS also warns infants could be at risk of becoming tangled, especially if they try to remove a mask, potentially causing serious injury.
It comes nine days after Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on July 14 that wearing a face mask in shops and supermarkets will be compulsory from tomorrow, July 24, with anyone failing to comply facing a fine of up to £100.
Children under 11 are exempt from the rules.
Under new rulings released by the Department of Health and Social Care today, venues such as restaurants, pubs and gyms will be exempt from the rules.
However, there has been confusion as the Government announced that face masks must be worn to pick up a takeaway, but do not need to be worn if a person is sitting inside a restaurant that offers takeaways.
DailyMail