As COVID-19 continues to spread across the globe, several states, counties and local communities in the U.S. are starting to mandate wearing a face mask.

Greene County Public Health Director Becky Wolf feels those in public health and other healthcare professionals have a duty to provide the best information and recommendations to protect everyone’s health. She says when they recommend wearing a mask, it isn’t intended to be politically motivated.

“When you strongly recommend wearing a mask, we’re not forcing people to wear it. We’re just trying to help them understand that it’s not all about you, it’s about me. I’m not trying to force you to do anything,  I’m just asking you to do what’s best for everybody. It’s not seen as trying to impose on someone’s personal rights. But unfortunately I think the political arena has kind of turned that into it.”

Wolf stresses for everyone to consider their recommendations against further spreading the virus.

“We’re the experts in the communicable disease. We’re trying to help you understand how you can protect yourself, and your families, and your elders. We just want them to see it from our aspect and as always we stand by our recommendations.”    

Locally, Wolf says more public entities are requiring or recommending face masks, which she believes does help to mitigate the spread of the virus. She adds, along with wearing a mask, people also need to continue to practice social distancing, frequent handwashing and using sanitizer, and staying home when ill.