I am submitting this comment to urge Governor Northam and all state elected officials to rescind the mandate requiring everyone to wear a face mask in public, and frankly, to step back and let individuals decide whether they want to wear one.  Covering one's mouth and nose for extended periods of time, just for the sake of doing so and placating others, inhibits breathing and over the long term, is counterintuitive to personal health.  In public places, indoors and outdoors, covering of one's face compromises public safety, especially when a crime is committed and witnesses cannot provide a detailed description of the suspect.  I was especially disturbed during recent mass protests and riots that Governor Northam, nor any city and county officials, had nothing to say about the lack of social distancing, another tenet of preventing the spread of the corona virus.  If they seem to be okay with large public gatherings at this juncture, they should abandon the requirement to wear face coverings and let Virginia reopen at 100%.

Bacteria and viruses will always be among us, and the government should trust us to make sound decisions that promote good health and prevent or minimize the impact of illness.