Main Line Health joins hospitals across the country in campaign to encourage all to #MaskUp

Main Line Health joins 119 of the nation’s health care systems, representing thousands of hospitals in communities across the U.S., to make an urgent plea for all Americans: #MaskUp, because wearing a facemask is our best chance at slowing the COVID-19 pandemic now.

This campaign comes as COVID-19 cases continue to surge. In Southeastern Pennsylvania alone, there are more than 173,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Across the country, more than 11.5 million Americans have tested positive for the virus — leading to nearly 250,000 deaths.

Despite recent studies that have shown facemasks successfully limit the spread of COVID-19, many across the country are reaching peak levels of pandemic fatigue ahead of the holiday, opting to forego masking and COVID precautions altogether.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has taken an unimaginable toll on so many — teachers and students, small business owners, caregivers…but it has been an incredible emotional and physical burden on our health care workers,” says Jack Lynch, President & CEO of Main Line Health. “While I know that our providers are grateful for applause and notes of appreciation, the greatest thing we can do to show our support and respect for health care workers — and everyone around us—is to wear a mask and take the appropriate precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19.”

Main Line Health joins a broad array of well-known organizations from across the country in demonstrating its support for the #MaskUp campaign, including Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins Medicine. Regional participants include Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Temple Health, Nemours Children’s Health System, ChristianaCare, Virtua Health, Cooper Health and Inspira Health. As part of the campaign, 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:

“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 six feet, and limit the amount of time around others, especially while indoors and in poorly ventilated areas. For further information about masking guidelines, including how to choose and properly wear a mask, visit the CDC website.

For more information on the #MaskUp campaign and a full list of participants, visit everymaskup.com.