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*Important Update to School-Age Guidance for Fall 2020*

Face coverings play a critical role in mitigating risk related to COVID-19. Effective September 14, 2020, the RI Department of Human Services is requiring face coverings for all school-age children* (in addition to staff) in all DHS-licensed child care programs, even when children are in stable groups and physically distanced (6+ feet apart.) Important to note: this guidance will not pertain to other younger age groups served in DHS-licensed child care facilities such as infants/toddlers and preschoolers whose language development is often dependent upon visual cues and prompts from peers modeling appropriate speech. Face coverings will be critical in mitigating the risks associated with school-age children participating in multiple stable pods due to their enrollment in a DHS- licensed child care facility and will mirror RIDE guidance for K-12 schools.

Cloth face coverings should not be placed on children younger than age two; anyone who has trouble breathing; or anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

Protective face coverings are not required for certain individuals, per CDC guidelines, or for anyone for whom use of such face covering would be damaging to his or her health or inhibit an activity of daily living (e.g. eating.)