Category 1 masks and schools: Which mask? Where to find it? When to put them?

For school, your children can wear two types of masks.

You can opt for so-called “surgical masks”, these are the ones we come across most often. Disposable, made of paper, they have long been used by medical personnel.

These masks are category 1, they offer protection for those around them, their mission is to prevent the virus, which can be transmitted by droplets (coughs, sneezes, postilions, etc.) from protecting or infecting the wearer of the mask. They must be approved with standard NF EN 14683.

If the thought of throwing away masks makes you cringe, you have the solution to fabric masks, also category 1, only these must imperatively meet specific criteria set by a decree published on January 27, 2021 in the Official Journal. As of February 8, fabric masks must be category 1, they must meet the Afnor-Spec S76-001 standard and have been tested by the Directorate General of Armament (DGA) or by the French Institute of textile-clothing.

What about homemade masks?

You will have to get used to the idea that these masks are no longer authorized because they are considered insufficiently protective against the Covid-19 virus. The fabric is too light, the seams too weak, and frequent washing doesn’t help. The only way to ensure that you are wearing the right fabric mask is to equip yourself with a category 1 mask bearing a logo indicating its filtration rate and the number of possible washes.

Category 1 fabric masks should be washed at a minimum of 40 ° C for 30 minutes. There is no need to do specific washes for category 1 masks, you can put them with your daily laundry. Remember to check after washing that it is intact, that the seams are still attached. If necessary, it will have to be changed.

Where can I find category 1 children’s masks?

Some communities offer to provide it to families, you can get closer to your town hall. You will also find these masks in supermarkets, pharmacies, but also on the Internet. Just make sure they have the logo mentioned above.

What if my child does not have a school standard mask?

A school is entitled to refuse your child if he is not equipped with a mask to the standards. Remember that it is compulsory for all students, from primary school, except medical dispensation. However, some schools offer a mask to students who have forgotten theirs. Remember to provide your child with 2 masks for the day: it is indeed advisable to wear it for a maximum of 4 consecutive hours.