OAFP Praises Governor DeWine’s Statewide Mask Order

On July 22, the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians (OAFP) joined other statewide physician organizations in support of Gov. Mike DeWine’s statewide mask order. The statement, released by Gov. DeWine’s office, reads as follows:

Masks Save Lives.
We support Gov. DeWine’s decision to mandate facial coverings. This measure will save thousands of lives by dramatically slowing the spread of COVID-19. Our support is based on science and evidence. Wearing a mask protects the people around you, and newer studies show it also protects the wearer.

We also remind Ohioans to practice physical distancing and good hand hygiene. When we take these precautions along with facial coverings we can reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Because there is no doubt that COVID-19 spreads readily from people without symptoms, it is important that all Ohioans take these simple steps. It is incumbent on all of us to defeat this deadly virus.

Earlier this month, a coalition of physician organizations initiated a social media campaign Doctors Orders: Mask + 6 Feet urging Ohioans to wear masks and practice physical distancing. The coalition includes the Ohio State Medical Association, the Ohio Osteopathic Association, the OAFP, the Ohio Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, the Ohio Psychiatric Physicians Association, and the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers.

Following are quotes from leaders of the physician organizations:

Ohio Osteopathic Association (OOA)
President Sandra L. Cook, DO

“The OOA commends Gov. DeWine for his efforts in leading Ohio’s battle against COVID-19. This order mandating the wearing of masks in public will reduce infections and mortality throughout the state. This simple and selfless act will benefit not only you but also your loved ones and your community.”

Ohio Academy of Family Physicians (OAFP)
President Anna McMaster, MD

“Some individuals can contract COVID-19 and yet never present symptoms, so they don’t know they have it. The virus can spread even between individuals without symptoms. That’s why masks and social distancing are so important.”

Ohio Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians (Ohio ACEP)
President Ryan Squier, MD

“Without a cure, personal choices and safe behaviors are the best defense against spreading COVID-19 and overwhelming our health care system. Some individuals can contract COVID-19 and yet never present symptoms, so they don’t know they have it. The virus can spread even between individuals without symptoms. Perhaps it is inconvenient or uncomfortable, but a mask is the greatest display of respect and consideration for others during these times.”

Ohio Psychiatric Physicians Association (OPPA)
President Megan Testa, MD

“In addition to the physical toll that this pandemic is taking on our physical wellness, the coronavirus is placing increased emotional stressors on all of us, including individuals who may have already been suffering from a mental illness or substance use disorder. It is the responsibility of each of us to do everything we can to stay healthy and keep others healthy which includes wearing a mask and social distancing of at least six feet. As psychiatric physicians, we strongly encourage anyone who has feelings of depression, hopelessness, or helplessness, or knows someone who is suffering, to seek help.”

Ohio Association of Community Health Centers (OACHC)
Chief Medical Officer Dana Vallangeon, MD

“On behalf of our member health centers and the patients and communities so well served, the OACHC supports and encourages the use of masks (and distancing) by all Ohioans. These are two critical steps we can all collectively take to protect each other and combat COVID-19.”

Ohio Society of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (Ohio ACOFP)
President Lili Lustig, DO

“As family physicians, Ohio ACOFP members are called on, literally and figuratively, by their communities to defeat the coronavirus. It is alarming to see the daily increase in cases. That’s why we fully endorse Gov. DeWine’s statewide mask mandate. Please stay vigilant, Ohio! Wear your mask, wash your hands, limit gatherings, and let’s prevent the further spread of COVID-19.”