“Choices” takes aim at anti-science extremists putting public health at risk

SACRAMENTO — Masks help stop the spread of COVID 19, period. This is the central message of a new video released today by #WearAMaskCA, a California Medical Association (CMA) sponsored effort to promote science-based measures to control our current health crisis.

“Californians have spent five difficult months fighting the spread of COVID-19. The months ahead depend on what we do now,” said CMA President Peter N. Bretan, Jr., M.D. “Our ability to return to school and work depends on everyone wearing face coverings when they are out in public. The science is clear – masks help stop the transmission of COVID-19 and are needed to keep Californians safe.”

The #WearAMaskCA video, called “Choices,” captures the concerns of California parents as they help their children adapt to abnormal circumstances and tire of antagonism that prolongs and deepens our health crisis. It is a follow up to the previously released video “Deadly.”

Just last week California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly was quoted as saying widespread mask wearing could cut coronavirus transmission in half across the state. Recent public opinion polls show the vast majority of Americans support face coverings and policies to encourage them. This has not stopped a handful of often vocal individuals from advocating reckless behavior and failing to abide by public policies aimed at protecting the public.

This is part of a troubling trend seen around anti-science political rallies, on social media and in government hearings. This animosity toward science and public health did not begin with COVID-19, but it is especially lethal now.

More than half a million Californians have contracted COVID-19, and tragically more than 9,300 have lost their lives thus far.

For more information, go to www.wearamaskca.org.