Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic, which St. Mary Medical Center falls under, has partnered with a hundred of the nation’s top health systems, representing thousands of hospitals across the United States, to make the urgent plea for all Americans to mask up in an effort to slow the surging COVID-19 pandemic.
More than 11.5 million Americans have tested positive for the virus, including an additional 1 million in just the past week, leading to nearly 250,000 deaths, according to Health and Human Services reports.
“We are all empowered to change the course of this pandemic, and that starts by wearing a mask,” said Jim Woodward, president and CEO of Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic. “The numbers are staggering, but if we come together, today, this moment, we can save lives.”
Though there has been positive news recently about vaccine development, it will take time for all Americans to be vaccinated. In the meantime, Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic encourages everyone to remain vigilant, take precautions as advised by the Centers for Disease Control and follow local public health orders.
A public service message will run nationally. It reads:
“As the top nationally-ranked hospitals, we know it’s tough that we all need to do our part and keep wearing masks. But, here’s what we also know: The science has not changed. Masks slow the spread of COVID-19. So, please join us as we all embrace this simple ask: Wear. Care. Share with #MaskUp. Together, wearing is caring. And together, we are saving lives.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points to recent studies that have shown facemasks successfully limit spread of the COVID-19 virus. Wearing masks protects in key ways by protecting the wearer against inhalation of harmful pathogens, and by preventing exposure of those around the wearer.
In addition to masking, the CDC suggests that everyone minimize the number of non-household contacts, maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet, limit the amount of time around others, especially while indoors and in poorly ventilated areas, and wash your hands often.
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