The Florida Osteopathic Medical Association joins physician groups around the nation in calling for local governments to require mask use in public places. As our state begins the process of reopening and the number of coronavirus cases increase, Florida’s osteopathic physicians echo the recommendations of the Florida Department of Health and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and encourage individuals to wear masks in public.
Despite the tireless efforts of the biomedical community, much remains unknown regarding the virus and its long-term implications for public health. What is known is that the virus is easily transmitted through respiratory droplets from human to human, disproportionately impacting the elderly and those with preexisting conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Even asymptomatic individuals can spread COVID-19 by releasing droplets into the air while breathing and speaking. “Wearing a mask may be a mild inconvenience, but it could save the life of an immuno-compromised individual,” said Eric Goldsmith, DO, FACOS, President of the FOMA.
The physician members of the FOMA believe that mask use–along with following all the recommendations of the CDC and the Florida Department of Health–is an effective way to keep Florida open, limit the spread of the virus and ensure the safety of our most vulnerable as Floridians attempt to return to some level of normalcy. “Please do your part to limit transmission and keep Florida’s economy open for business,” said Marc Kaprow, DO, FACOI, President-elect of the FOMA.
For more information:
CDC Guidelines
FDOH Public Health Advisory
The Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA) is the state association for osteopathic physicians in Florida. The FOMA has been serving osteopathic physicians since 1904. Our Executive Office is located in Tallahassee, Florida. The FOMA was organized for the purposes of advancing the science and art of osteopathic medicine; extending the benefits of scientific advancement to the treatment, prevention, and alleviation of human ailments; and promoting closer relationships between the osteopathic profession, FOMA members, and other groups dedicated to improved health care.
