PIERRE, SD – There is continued debate over the use of face masks to slow the spread of Covid-19 and if cities should mandate wearing them.
Avera Health Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael Elliott, says the science is clear. “Community-wide masking, good hand hygiene, social distancing and isolation when youre feeling ill has been scientifically proven to slow the spread of the illness. Masks work. Please wear them. We’ve been promoting this from Avera standpoint, the use of mask and other midigation strategies, for months now. We continue to do so.”
Elliott says people should not be confused on the effectiveness of masks. “I know many of you have read different sources. And some of you agree masks work. Others are saying no, it doesn’t. I want to tell you there is mounting scientific evidence that masks work.”
Elliott says wide-spread use is most effective. “And they work the best when we adopt this as a community-wide effort. For just one person or just a couple of people to wear a mask is not nearly as effective as if everyone person wears their mask. To this point again, Avera has consistently supported all efforts to get community-wide mask wearing.”
