Masks are our first line of defense against this virus, along with physical distancing. The unfortunate fact is that with non-medical masks, my mask protects others and others' masks protect me, so the only way to ensure protection for all of us is to require everyone to wear them. It is clear that if it is left up to individuals to decide whether to wear a mask, too many will choose not to do so. Masks are necessary, for now, to save lives and keep people from suffering the potentially life-changing side effects of contracting COVID-19. Please keep the requirement for masks to be worn indoors and anywhere where physical distancing is not possible.