Doctor touting mask mandate

Chief clinical officer at Mercy-Health Lorain says coverings are critical tool

Local health officials are applauding the move by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine instituting a statewide mask mandate which takes effect at

6 p.m., July 23.

Dr. Gil Palmer, chief clinical officer at Mercy Health-Lorain Hospital, said masks are a critical tool in containing the spread of the novel coronavirus.

“Wearing masks is a huge benefit for decreasing the spread of the disease, and the rate of the spread of the disease,” Palmer said. “Depending on which literature I read, you can see a 40 to 85 percent drop in the rate of acceleration of the disease.

“And, I think it’s really a good thing, because the spread right now is really at a record high day over day. And we have to do something to contain that.”

Prior to the statewide order, Lorain County was under a Level 3 red alert since July 9 along with nearly two dozen other counties requiring masks.

As of July 23, Lorain County was downgraded to a Level 2 orange alert.

Palmer said while COVID-19 cases at Mercy have mostly been stable throughout the pandemic, the medical system has moved into a different stage.

Patients dealing with diabetes, surgery and other afflictions unrelated to COVID-19 continue to rely on the health care system, and that care does not stop, he said.

It is a time of learning to live with COVID-19 while protecting everyone, Palmer said.

“We have the resources, we have the capability and we have the teams and the bench strength to make sure our community and their needs are met,” he said.

In looking at local trends, Palmer said from his vantage point as a clinician, masking is working with cases on the decline.

Following a recent spike, masking in combination with social distancing and good hygiene has a real impact, he said.

DeWine noted in his July 22 remarks during a news briefing the mandate will make a difference.

“Our preliminary data indicate that the rate of increase in new cases has slowed in the high-risk counties where masks are already mandated, so we are cautiously optimistic that things are heading in the right direction,” he said.

“We believe that requiring masks statewide will make a significant difference and will be key to making sure other counties do not progress to a higher level of increased spread.”

All individuals in Ohio must wear facial coverings in public at all times when:

• At an indoor location that is not a residence

• Outdoors, but unable to maintain six-foot social distance from people who are not household members

• Waiting for, riding, driving or operating public transportation, such as a taxi, a car service or a private car used for ride-sharing

The order only requires those 10 years old or older to wear a mask.

Additional exclusions include:

• Those with a medical condition or a disability or those communicating with someone with a disability

• Those who are actively exercising or playing sports

• Those who are officiants at religious services

• Those who are actively involved in public safety

• Those who are actively eating or drinking

Schools should follow the guidance previously issued pertaining to masks.

Lorain County currently has 1,246 confirmed cases and 70 deaths, according to Lorain County Public Health.

Palmer