Wearing a mask is not recommended for children below 5 years of age, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), which comes under the Health Ministry has said.

The government has issued guidelines for the management of COVID-19 among children, stating that kids aged 5 and below are not required to wear masks. Children aged 6-11 may wear a mask depending on the ability of the child to use the mask safely and appropriately under direct supervision of parents/guardians.

The guidelines suggested a six-minute walk test for children above 12 years. “It is a simple clinical test to assess cardiopulmonary exercise tolerance and is used to unmask hypoxia. Attach a pulse oximeter to his/her finger and ask the child to walk in the confines of their room for six minutes continuously," said the guidelines.

For severe COVID-19 among children, the guidelines said, “In case shock develops, necessary management should be initiated. Antimicrobials to be administered if there is evidence/strong suspicion of superadded bacterial infection. May need organ support in case of organ dysfunction, Renal replacement therapy,".

Wearing a mask is not recommended for children below 5 years of age, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), which comes under the Health Ministry has said.

The government has issued guidelines for the management of COVID-19 among children, stating that kids aged 5 and below are not required to wear masks. Children aged 6-11 may wear a mask depending on the ability of the child to use the mask safely and appropriately under direct supervision of parents/guardians.

The guidelines suggested a six-minute walk test for children above 12 years. “It is a simple clinical test to assess cardiopulmonary exercise tolerance and is used to unmask hypoxia. Attach a pulse oximeter to his/her finger and ask the child to walk in the confines of their room for six minutes continuously," said the guidelines.

For severe COVID-19 among children, the guidelines said, “In case shock develops, necessary management should be initiated. Antimicrobials to be administered if there is evidence/strong suspicion of superadded bacterial infection. May need organ support in case of organ dysfunction, Renal replacement therapy,".