Universal masking is critically important in healthcare settings to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, particularly respiratory viruses like COVID-19. When healthcare workers and patients wear masks, they create a barrier that can help to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through aerosols via an airborne mechanism. This is especially important in healthcare settings, where patients may be particularly vulnerable to infection.

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Example Letter:

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Dear Public Health Government Leader:

I am writing to urge you to implement a policy that requires universal masking in healthcare settings. As we continue to face the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that we take every possible precaution to protect the health and safety of healthcare workers and patients. COVID transmission remains substantial in Chicago and its surrounding communities.

In 2023 alone, there have been over 138,000 hospital-acquired COVID infections in the US according to US Health and Human Services. Universal masking prevents this number from being much worse!

The evidence is clear that high quality masks are an effective tool in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have both recommended the use of masks as a critical component of infection control measures in healthcare settings. Numerous studies have also demonstrated the effectiveness of masks in reducing the transmission of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19.

Despite this overwhelming evidence, many healthcare settings are ending universal masking in Chicago and surrounding communities. This puts healthcare workers and patients at unnecessary risk of infection, and it is unacceptable. As public health government leaders, it is your responsibility to take action to protect the health and safety of your citizens.

The benefits of mandatory mask use in healthcare settings are numerous. Masks help to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19, protecting both healthcare workers and patients. Furthermore, mandatory mask use can help to prevent the spread of other respiratory viruses, such as the flu. During the 2020-2021 flu season, there were significantly fewer cases of the flu than in previous years, in part due to the widespread use of masks. This demonstrates the potential benefits of mask use beyond COVID-19.

I understand that some may argue that mandatory mask use is inconvenient or uncomfortable, or that it infringes on individual freedom. However, it is important to remember that masks are a small inconvenience to make in order to protect the health and safety of others. Healthcare workers put themselves at risk every day to care for patients, and it is our responsibility to do everything we can to support them in their work.

I urge you to take action to implement a policy of mandatory mask use in all healthcare settings. Ensure high quality ventilation and air filtration at all indoor spaces. This is a critical step in protecting the health and safety of healthcare workers and patients, and it is our responsibility as public health government leaders to take action to ensure that our citizens are safe and healthy.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,