To the editor:
As our community deals with these difficult times, I want to applaud all those who have complied with physical distancing directives and all those who continue to serve our community. Thus far there are indications that these measures are working. Delaying or preventing the rapid spread of infection will allow us time to catch up with the need for increased testing and allow for the production of adequate protective gear.
It is important that we all continue to follow these measures, but there is more that we could do. It is my personal opinion that although the CDC has not yet required the use of face masks in public (I believe they may well by the time this letter is published), it would undoubtedly help for everyone to make their own masks (directions on line) and wear them when out on necessary trips to public places (particularly grocery stores, hospitals, clinics etc.)
The use of these masks would help by preventing asymptomatic carriers of the virus from spreading infected droplets as easily and would protect everyone.
Let’s all work together to lessen the risk.
Ted Sussman MD, MACP
Houlton
