“We’re not trying to take away your ability to go out when we say, ‘Keep restaurant capacity under 50 percent,’” Adams continued on the Fox & Friends morning program. “We’re saying, ‘If we do these things, we can actually open and stay open.’” The surgeon general continued by acknowledging the frustrations that many around the U.S. have felt about the way the virus has upended their daily lives. “We can get back to school, to worship, to jobs,” he said. “We can do this and I’m a hopeless optimist, but I think Americans will do the right thing. And we’re focused, because of politics, on who is not—but more people are wearing face coverings than ever were.“ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb Adams’ warnings echo myriad other health officials and agencies that have been recommending the use of face coverings for months. However—despite well-known officials such as National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Director Anthony Fauci, MD, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Robert R. Redfield, MD, saying masks can stop cases from spiking in a matter of weeks—mask use continues to be politicized. RELATED: For more up-to-date information, sign up for our daily newsletter. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that the use of face masks significantly lowered the transmission of the novel coronavirus. “Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus—particularly when used universally within a community setting,” said Redfield, highlighting the study’s findings in an official press release. “All Americans have a responsibility to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.” And for more on the states that need to take action, check out 11 States Where Locking Down Again Is Absolutely Necessary.
