On Sunday, the US Surgeon General urged people to wear facemasks, stating they will help promote freedom during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Dr. Jerome Adams took to Twitter to say that facemasks are important to slow down the spread of the virus and reopen the nation and the economy.
He wrote, “Some feel face coverings infringe on their freedom of choice- but if more wear them, we’ll have MORE freedom to go out.”
Dr. Adams wrote using facemasks leads to the less asymptomatic spread of the virus, opening up more places much sooner. “Face coverings ➡️ less asymptomatic viral spread ➡️ more places open, and sooner!” he wrote.
“Exercise and promote your freedom by choosing to wear a face covering!” he added with a photo of him in a mask.
Public health authorities have been emphasizing the importance of covering face with masks amid the nation’s reopening, considering the fact that asymptomatic people unknowingly transmit COVID-19, the infection caused by the new coronavirus.
The face coverings are essential to prevent coronavirus people from infecting others.
In the initial phase of the outbreak, the officials did not recommend the widespread use of facemasks. However, in April, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended using facemasks for people in places where it is difficult to maintain social distancing, such as grocery stores.
At the time, the CDC referred to growing evidence that people with COVID-19 who are asymptomatic could spread the infection to others.
Earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) also updated its guidance, recommending the use of fabric masks in places where the virus continues to spread. The WHO also advised health workers and caregivers to wear facemasks throughout their shift, especially while they are in clinical areas.
