A Temporary National Mask Policy Until The Therapies And Vaccines Arrive

We are in the midst of a nationwide pandemic and unfortunately the numbers are going in the wrong direction. America’s best chance to maintain a limited, effective and sustainable re-opening of the economy is to immediately institute a national mandate requiring face masks to be worn when out in public until proper medical solutions arrive.

When the virus first hit, all three branches of our government acted swiftly, decisively and aggressively to create a massive multi-trillion dollar stimulus package to protect American employers. This was the quickest and most efficient manner of preserving as many jobs as possible due to this horrible and extraneous event and it allowed us to avert plunging into the financial abyss. Furthermore, we listened to our esteemed medical community and consented to an unfortunate, but necessary, temporary national shutdown that allowed us to “flatten the curve,” which in turn enabled our medical system, led by our incredible medical workers, to best manage their burden. Though the toll on the economy was still staggering, this combination of liquidity and the flattening of the curve was the right path to an unpleasant, but livable situation as we hopefully awaited the discovery, mass manufacture and ultimate delivery mechanisms of therapeutics and vaccines.

Next, we began the process of re-opening our country. What quickly became evident is that humans thrive when we are able to socialize and we believe strongly in free will and personal choice. Unfortunately this virus is perfectly suited to take advantage of every one of these wonderful human traits. And, because no person, town or state is an island when it comes to biology, behavior one individual chooses has a direct impact on everyone else. If we don’t collectively understand this and act in unison, we increase the odds that we will head right back into the painful abyss, challenging our system on all fronts, only this time on an even wider geographic scale.

I’m not suggesting another nationwide shutdown because the economic costs and the collateral effect on humanity would be too great. We also cannot handle a roller coaster scenario of opening and closing our society based on the curve as the start-up and shut-down costs are immense and the human emotional toll could be unbearable. What we all want is for the U.S. to open in an appropriately limited, properly structured, and most importantly, sustainable manner until the medical solutions arrive. The only way we can achieve this is if all three branches of our government once again come together for the good of the nation and mandate that all Americans temporarily wear masks when in public. Masks are the only reliable, predictable and scientifically proven method that all medical experts agree is the best way to minimize the spread of this disease. Masks also have the added benefit of serving as an uncomfortable and constant reminder that we are in a pandemic and need to socially distance and constantly maintain proper hygiene. If we continue to allow towns, communities and states to make their own decision, emotions and politics will carry the day and there is little chance of the economy to be able to manage and most likely we will be forced to head into another national lockdown as we veer back towards the abyss.

This is a time for us all to unite and not divide. There’s no room for politics during an epidemic and both sides are better than that. Americans have proven time and time again that we can rally and deal with just about anything as long as we are “in it together.” And, let’s face it, wearing a mask in public is a very small inconvenience when you consider the many real and substantial sacrifices that have been asked of countless Americans throughout our history.

The right choice is simple and straightforward. The temporary universal wearing of masks when in public is our best weapon against this disease and while it is not a panacea for our troubles, it will save us money, jobs, emotional hardship and mental anguish. If we are united in this approach, it will allow our businesses to re-open and rehire their workforce, allow our schools and universities to return more quickly and safely, and allow our economy to survive this horrific period. This isn’t a time to point fingers, but to unite for the common good of all Americans. I implore all three branches of our Federal Government to please come together so that every state and every American can have the highest likelihood of a livable and sustainable nationwide opening until our hero scientists arrive with therapies and vaccines.

Respectfully,

Rich Handler