It is my opinion that making this temporary standard permanent is a bureaucratic over-reach and a knee-jerk reaction to the 2020 Covid19 outbreak. It does not allow for adjustments and flexibility as research and statistics regarding the transmission and treatment of the virus continue to develop. It is likely to cause incalculable harm to both small and large businesses, resulting in a continuing downward spiral of the economy in our Commonwealth. This type of standard was not adopted for other influenza strains that were just as or more deadly than the current strain.  Masks are ineffective, and their continuous use may have unforeseen long term negative effects. Additionally, the mask mandate is an encroachment on individual liberties. I vigorously oppose a permanent statewide standard.