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State physicians call for mandatory mask use to slow COVID-19 spread

June 26, 2020

The Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) and 20 other state medical societies urge public and private leaders across the state to require the wearing of face masks or face coverings to help control the spread of COVID-19.

“Minnesota is seeing improvements in COVID-19 cases, but the threat of this virus is not over,” said Keith Stelter, MD, president of the Minnesota Medical Association, which represents more than 10,000 physicians and physicians-in-training. “The medical benefits of wearing a mask are clear – a mask helps reduce virus transmission, particularly by individuals who are sick but have no symptoms and by individuals who have been infected but do not yet show any symptoms. Masks are also safe to wear.”

Like staying home when you are sick, covering your cough, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands, wearing a mask is an important part of the COVID-19 prevention toolbox that should be broadly adopted.

“Statewide use of masks now in all indoor settings and on public transportation can help Minnesota avoid the resurgence of cases that is happening in many other states and avoid a backwards turn of the dial,” said Stelter.

The MMA and other state medical society organizations call on state, local, and business leaders to help all Minnesotans do the right thing to practice good health and support our communities – no shirt, no shoes, no mask, no service.

More About Practice Good Health
In May, the MMA launched Practice Good Health, a unified effort of its 10,000 physician members to empower Minnesota families to proactively care for their physical and emotional well-being, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Practice Good Health provides patient clarity and directly supports Minnesota physicians to create the safest possible care environments and experiences.

Join the conversation online via Facebook and Twitter and share ways to #PracticeGoodHealth. Resources will be available and will be regularly updated on mmed.org/PracticeGoodHealth.

Supporting Minnesota Medical Society Signatories:
Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians
Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology
Minnesota Academy of Otolaryngology
Minnesota Association of African American Physicians
Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Minnesota Dermatological Society
Minnesota Osteopathic Medical Society
Minnesota Psychiatric Society
Minnesota Section, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Minnesota Society of Neurological Sciences
Minnesota Surgical Society
Minnesota Radiological Society
Minneapolis Surgical Society
Minnesota Urological Society
MN Chapter, American College of Emergency Physicians
MN Chapter of the American College of Physicians
Stearns Benton Medical Society
Twin Cities Medical Society
Wright County Medical Society
Zumbro Valley Medical Society

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