Thousands of MS doctors call for statewide mask mandate during COVID-19 pandemic
The Mississippi State Medical Association is calling for a statewide mask mandate because of the “alarming rate” of COVID-19 cases since the reopening of businesses and communities.
“We strongly believe that, without a statewide mask mandate, our state’s healthcare system cannot sustain the trajectory of this outbreak, which could ultimately result in the loss of the lives of many Mississippians,” a news release from MSMA says. “With the staggering toll of this pandemic on our state, we need to act quickly and decisively.
“We can defeat COVID-19 in the same way we have historically defeated public health threats in the past— by letting evidence and science dictate our decisions and inform our actions. Science and evidence have made it absolutely clear that COVID-19 is not behind us, and we must resist the urge to relax the measures that have proven effective in keeping people safe.”
Mask mandates issued by Gov. Tate Reeves are currently in effect in Harrison, Jackson and 11 other counties in the state because of COVID-19 spikes. Residents of these counties must wear masks in public, including outdoors if they are unable to remain 6 feet apart. Reeves in the past has also issued mandates for other counties with high case counts but has resisted a statewide order.
Outdoor gatherings in the 13 counties are limited to 20, with indoor gatherings limited to 10.
Harrison County reported an increase of 109 COVID-19 cases from July 6-12, while Jackson County reported an increase of 50 cases in the same time period. Harrison now has a total of 572.5 cases per 100,000 people. Jackson County has 561.2 cases per 100,000.
The Mississippi State Health Department reported as of Sunday evening a total of 36,680 COVID-19 cases statewide and 1,250 deaths.
A record number of people also are hospitalized in Mississippi with the virus, overburdening hospital systems in some areas and creating a scramble for beds. As a result, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs has ordered a halt to almost all elective surgeries at medical facilities statewide until at least July 20.
As the largest physician organization in the state, the MSMA represents more than 5,000 physicians, residents and medical students.
“Throughout the pandemic, physicians have been working on the front lines to care for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 while continuing to provide critical care for all patients in need,” says the MSMA news release calling for a mask mandate.
“In order to protect the health of physicians and other healthcare workers and preserve critical medical supplies needed to care for Mississippians, the Mississippi State Medical Association (MSMA) is supporting physician’s call for a statewide mask mandate requiring everyone to wear masks in public spaces.
“Early evidence has shown that masks and face coverings significantly reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Mississippians demonstrated their willingness to support comprehensive efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 by practicing social distancing, frequently washing their hands and staying home whenever possible. “
