A Message from ABH: Public health precautions to minimize the spread of infectious disease

Given the rapidly increasing rates of positive COVID-19 cases and transmission in the United States, and more recently in Minnesota, Advocates for Better Health highly recommends individuals and institutions re-establish or consider re-establishing public health precautions to minimize the spread of infectious disease.

Individuals should resume wearing masks in public spaces, limit public gatherings if not necessary, and should receive up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinations, including the updated COVID-19 booster that is anticipated to be released later in September. Specifically, individuals should encourage their children to wear masks in schools and/or to have schools consider re-implementing infectious disease public health precautions.

Institutions and employers should establish or re-establish methods for offering testing and vaccination, for assessing and monitoring indoor air ventilation, and for encouraging or mandating the use of masks in public spaces.

While any mask will provide at least slightly more protection to an individual or to others from an infected individual than wearing no mask whatsoever, it is advised to use an N95/KN95 or better respirator for a significant benefit. ABH denounces such dichotomous language like, "masks don't work," as such language is nonspecific and inaccurate by virtue of not considering differences between types of masks/respirators, the settings in which such masks/respirators are used, the proportion of individuals occupying a space wearing a mask, and from what hazard masks are intended to protect (in this case, COVID-19). There is an immense amount of peer-reviewed literature demonstrating that various types of masks/respirators can provide protection for an individual and a reduction of transmission of disease with respect to COVID-19.

Despite all of the above, ABH acknowledges that in the United States our society strongly believes in "personal freedom," and ABH consequently denounces any judgment or stigma against individuals who choose to or who choose not to follow any of the above recommendations. However, in the spirit of public health and the precautionary principle, ABH endorses that as a society we should take any and all necessary measures to ensure the health and well-being of the most vulnerable individuals in our communities.

Please note, The Minnesota Department of Health is providing eight free COVID-19 at home tests each month. Sign up today for your free tests.