Do Your Part to Stop the Pandemic: Wear Masks, says American Lung Association

As our nation continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic–with cases surpassing 9 million and many areas of the country experiencing their worst week yet for new infections–the American Lung Association urges everyone to wear masks and maintain recommended safety protocols. While many Americans are struggling with pandemic-related economic challenges and others are considering holiday plans this season, the American Lung Association encourages everyone to stay committed and continue to practice core health and safety measures to reduce the spread of the virus and stop the pandemic.

Even as some may be experiencing ‘COVID fatigue,’ the Lung Association urges all Americans to fully embrace measures proven to slow the spread of the disease:

• Wear a mask that covers both mouth and nose when not able to socially distance.
• Maintain social distance of at least six feet from people who don’t live in your home when you must be out in the community.
• Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If you’re unable to wash your hands, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Stay home if you feel unwell and call your healthcare provider if you experience COVID-19 symptoms.
• Get a flu shot, it’s the best way to prevent the spread of the flu, another respiratory virus.
• Avoid large gatherings, including during the upcoming holidays. Being outdoors and in spaces with good ventilation reduces the risk of spread of COVID-19.

“We can expect greater risks for spread of the disease, as people begin to move indoors with the cold weather this winter,” said American Lung Association President and CEO Harold Wimmer. “Our nation is facing this public health crisis together. The American Lung Association encourages regulatory bodies at the local, state and federal levels to find a collaborative approach to universal mask requirements. We must do all we can now to reduce the spread of the virus in the interest of public health while we await a safe and effective vaccine.”

When everyone wears masks, our nation will reduce the burden of this virus on our communities and those most vulnerable, as well as on our already-strained hospital systems. Especially as we also enter the flu season, the American Lung Association encourages everyone over 6 months old to get the flu shot. This will help reduce the spread of influenza, keeping people out of the hospital and reserving resources like hospital beds and ventilators.

“There is much we cannot control in our world right now, and I encourage all Americans to instead focus on what we can control – wearing masks and practicing proven measures to reduce the spread of this virus and end the pandemic,” Wimmer said.

Learn more about COVID-19 at Lung.org/covid19, and support the American Lung Association’s efforts to defeat COVID-19 and protect against future respiratory viruses through its COVID-19 Action Initiative at Lung.org. For media interested in speaking with an expert, contact the American Lung Association at Media@Lung.org or 312-801-7629.