— from Tom Eversole —

Reluctance of federal, state and local politicians to mandate face coverings may be due to their under-experience with infectious diseases and an over-experience with being in charge. However, pandemics don’t work the way citizens do. Pathogens aren’t compliant, and they don’t negotiate.

It took 20 years for Public Health to get seatbelt laws into place in the US.  It took another generation and law enforcement for popular culture to make seatbelt use (the rational choice) a habit.  Personal freedom arguments used against seatbelts were rolled out again this year against face masks. We don’t have generations to waste this time.

Policy makers and peace officers force their kids to buckle up even when they object. How many would let a surgeon take out their kid’s appendix without a mask and gloves? The germ theory applies even when we may not know the potential victim.

Wearing a mask isn’t just about protecting the wearer or their close contacts.  It has a population-level impact on health and economy. Same for seatbelts.  Both masks and seatbelts decrease EMS, ER and hospital costs.  Those fiscal savings are reflected in lower medical and auto insurance premiums for everyone.  Our economy is tied to the virus. Masks can help businesses and schools continue operations. 

Elected officials have enacted and enforced auto insurance, seat belt, and public safety laws — showing courageous leadership in the public interest. They should do the same regarding face masks in public spaces. 

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