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Sensible Slovenia offers a masking model for anxious Americans
Slovenia’s rules almost perfectly align with WHO, UNICEF, and ECDC guidance
While some Northern European countries have eliminated almost all masking in society, it’s understandable that the United States may want to be a bit more cautious about loosening mask rules. Even though the science of masking remains unclear, political, social, and cultural considerations make easing mask mandates tricker in the U.S. than other high-income countries. Could Slovenia offer a middle-ground model?
Slovenians clearly mask a lot more than Swedes or Danes, but there are a number of sensible exceptions related to children, the disabled, and educational settings. Take a moment to review them.
First, Slovenia honors WHO and UNICEF guidance that children under six shouldn’t mask. Indeed, they go a step further and don’t require masks until a child is seven years of age.
Slovenia also honors ECDC guidance recommending against masking primary school students. (It does appear Slovenian primary school students are still required to mask in school hallways and common…