CLEVELAND — We all know there's a mask mandate in Ohio, but that doesn't mean everyone is wearing them. A new study by Nature Medicine projected several scenarios.
The worst is that our COVID-19 death count in the United States, which currently stands at just over 225,000, could rise by an additonal half a million deaths.
Another showed that if 95% of Americans wore their masks, that number would decrease by 130,000 by the end of February. If 85% of Americans wore their masks, we'd save 96,000 lives.
We talked with infectious disease specialist Dr. Frank Esper with Cleveland Clinic Children's. He says even if 'Covid fatigue' is setting in, wear your mask!
“This is something that is not a sprint. It is a marathon. With a marathon it takes endurance that requires every mile of the way for you to keep pushing yourself to keep going, and do everything that you are able to prevent this spread.”
Dr. Esper also is reminding anyone going trick or treating or attending a Halloween event to wear a mask, not just a costume mask.
The Ohio Department of Health has issued guidance for trick-or-treaters. Among its recommendations are holding a drive-through or drive-in trick-or-treat event, with children in costume and face coverings staying in cars and collecting treats from individuals spaced at least six feet apart. They also suggest leaving treats in the mailboxes of friends and neighbors.
Gov. Mike DeWine says all Ohioans should be wearing a mask when out in public or with friends, keeping a safe distance from others, washing their hands often and keep buildings well-ventilated.