KERN COUNTY, Calif. — Adventist Health has joined 100 of the nation's top health care systems, representing thousands of hospitals in communities across the U.S., to come together with an urgent plea for all Americans - mask up because wearing a face mask is our nation's best chance at slowing the surging COVID-19 pandemic now.
"This is critically important for Kern County," said Dr. Ronald Reynoso, chief medical officer. "People we love in our community are falling sick and dying due to the coronavirus. Let's all do our part and wear masks to protect each other."
Beginning Thursday, a public service message will run in The New York Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times.
Additionally, hospitals and health systems across the country will continue to unite to share these messages regionally.
The message reads: "As the top nationally-ranked hospitals, we know it's tough that we all need to do our part and keep wearing masks. But, here's what we also know: The science has not changed. Masks slow the spread of COVID-19. So, please join us as we all embrace this simple ask: Wear. Care. Share with #MaskUp. Together, wearing is caring. And together, we are saving lives."
In addition to masking, the CDC suggests that everyone minimize the number of non-household contacts, maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet and limit the amount of time around others, especially while indoors and in poorly ventilated areas. Further information about masking guidelines - how to choose a mask,
how to properly wear a mask - is available on the CDC website.
