I urge the Virginia government to take a science-based approach to public health regulations. This should be the case at all times, but it is especially important during the midst of a global pandemic. Emotional and political motivations are often louder and easier to understand and communicate than strong science, but that is not an excuse to ignore the best proven practices.

Mask wearing has been demonstrated repeatedly to reduce the spread of disease, including the Sars-COV-2 virus in particular. There is no scientific argument against the public health benefits. Medical exemptions for certain populations are valid, but arguments for personal freedom and comfort do not outweigh the benefits to the common public health. The state has a responsibility to protect the health and well-being of its residents. Not issuing a mask wearing requirement at this time would be shirking that responsibility in the worst way.