Mask on or off? Parents with young children conflicted after mask mandate lifted

For some parents, the lifting of restrictions makes things "harder to navigate."

"We are not sure what to do with the kids," said Mohamad Jallow, a father with three children under 12-years-old.

Currently, the COVID-19 vaccine is available for children between 12 and 17 years old.

Health experts said the COVID-19 protection rules should not change for children, and they should stick with the mask when it's needed.

"I also have an 11-year-old who is not [vaccinated,] so the guidance for me, right now, probably will not change my day-to-day," said WRAL Go Ask Mom editor Sarah Lindenfeld Hall.

Lindenfeld said her daughter has questioned what the changing mask rules mean for her.

"Are you going to go inside a restaurant without me? I said, 'No, I am not,'" recalled Lindenfeld.

At Marbles Kid’s Museum, masking rules remain at the moment.

"We ask every guest 5 and up to continue to wear a mask," said Madison Pharr, the director of guest experience at the children's museum.

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Pharr said the decision is simple -- it's about protecting kids.

"Over 50 percent of our visitors are children, and they are not able to get vaccinated yet," said Pharr. "We want to make sure we are protecting the health and safety of our little visitors."

Health experts said they hope younger children will be able to get a vaccine by the end of the year.