Schiff Introduces Resolution in Support of World Mask Week
Washington D.C. – Today, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced a resolution in support of designating August 7-August 14, 2020 as World Mask Week and encouraging all Americans to wear appropriate face coverings to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Pandemic Action Network are partnering with more than 40 organizations to host World Mask Week in an effort to increase the use of face coverings across the globe.
“Study after study has found that high rates of mask adoption impede the spread of the virus, and that countries where mask wearing is universal have been far more successful than the United States in preventing infection,” said Rep. Schiff. “It’s time for the federal government and our leaders to make crystal clear to the American people that wearing masks when you’re out in public and around others saves lives and World Mask Week will help raise awareness around the globe.”
“World Mask Week is a global movement to inspire more people to wear face coverings to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the United States and around the world,” said Carolyn Reynolds, Co-Founder of the Pandemic Action Network, which launched the initiative. “This is a rallying point, a moment of solidarity here and abroad. We commend Representative Schiff for introducing the World Mask Week resolution and encourage bipartisan support for the actions we can all take to confront the pandemic.”
“Until there is a vaccine, one of our most effective defenses against this virus is to wear a mask. We commend Congressman Schiff for urging the American people to adopt this practice because it will save lives,” said Ali Nouri, President of the Federation of American Scientists.
In addition to the health benefits, one recent economic analysis estimated that universal masking could save five percent of GDP, or one trillion dollars, by making lockdowns unnecessary and getting people back to work earlier.
In June, Schiff introduced the Masks Work Act to provide free cloth masks via United States mail to any American who requests one, as well as authorize a public service announcement campaign and further research into mask efficacy to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Click here to read the full text of the resolution.
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