We, the undersigned, urge you to adopt stricter policies about mask usage in public across North Carolina.

An open letter from scientists across the globe, including many signatories in North America, explains critical new scientific research which strongly suggests that requiring fabric mask use in public places could be amongst the most powerful tools to stop the community spread of COVID-19.

This research shows that :

--People are most infectious in the initial period of infection, when it is common to have few or no symptoms
--Cloth masks obstruct a high portion of the droplets from the mouth and nose that spread the virus
--Non-medical masks have been effective in reducing transmission of coronavirus
Cloth masks can be washed in soapy water and re-used
--Places and time periods where mask usage is required or widespread have been shown to substantially lower community transmission
--Public mask wearing is most effective at stopping spread of the virus when the vast majority of the public uses masks
--Laws appear to be highly effective at increasing compliance and slowing or stopping the spread of COVID-19.

Modeling suggests that widespread public mask use, in conjunction with other measures, could bring the effective reproduction number (R) beneath 1.0, thus halting the growth of the pandemic.

There is no need to wait for availability of medical-grade masks; any face covering, including a piece of cloth, a scarf, bandana, t-shirt, or paper towel, appears to be effective.

Therefore, we ask that government officials require cloth masks to be worn in all public places, such as stores, parks, and public buildings as soon as possible. This action will prevent people who are infectious from unknowingly spreading the disease.

Thank you for all you are doing to protect North Carolinians at this time.

Sincerely,

CC: Secretary Mandy Cohen of NC DHHS, Secretary Erik Hooks of NC DPS