Face Masks Necessary in Fight Against COVID-19
Group says "cloth masks can help stop the spread of COVID-19, save lives and restore jobs."
Requiring Americans to wear a face mask to fight the spread of COVID-19 is a hot topic as states end stay-at-home orders and allow businesses to reopen.
“Therefore, we ask that government officials require cloth masks to be worn in all public places, such as stores, transportation systems, and public buildings as soon as possible. This action will prevent people who are infectious from unknowingly spreading the disease,” reads a letter signed by more than 100 health experts, who are pushing for mask requirements.
According to #Masks4All, Iowa is among 19 states that don’t require residents to wear masks.
“Anyone not wearing a cloth mask in public puts everyone at risk of getting infected and they hurt our economy by increasing the chances of a second lockdown,” according to the site.
President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds have all been exposed to COVID-19 and sparked controversy for not wearing masks — even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends it.
“While masks are not a panacea for stopping the spread of the virus, they are a good first step in protecting against community spread,” reads a Gazette staff editorial, “Please Iowa, Just Wear a Mask,” which criticized Reynolds for not wearing masks and traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many businesses have begun requiring customers and employees to wear masks, including Uber and Menards.
“If you arrive to pick up a rider and they are not wearing a face cover or mask, you can cancel the trip and leave feedback for the rider or report the issue to Uber through the app after a trip,” states Uber on its blog for employees.
Why Not Wear A Mask?
Many pundits have speculated political leaders fear that wearing masks will cause them to be perceived as weak. A study cited in a Market Watch story found men were more likely not to wear face masks.
The Case for Wearing a Cloth Mask
It’s easy to learn how to safely wear a face mask. Wearing homemade masks also don’t affect the medical grade supply needed by healthcare professionals.
The CDC recommends wearing cloth face masks in these locations.
Grocery stores
Pharmacies
Community settings
Public areas where people are sick
Wearing a mask should be done in conjunction with hand washing and social distance measures, experts said.
Many people are sewing their own face masks and some are making and selling masks on social media sites. In the Facebook group, Des Moines, How can we help you, the group has several posts from members who sell masks.
Also, the CDC has a tutorial for making masks on its website.