SLMMS Encourages Masking and COVID-19 Vaccines as Cases Continue to Rise; Urges Support for Public Health Measures

SLMMS issued the following statement on Tuesday, August 10, 2021

With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, including the more highly contagious Delta variant, the St. Louis Metropolitan Medical Society (SLMMS) is re-stating its position supporting the wearing of masks to help prevent the spread of the virus.

As physicians, we acknowledge and support the opinion of experts who have determined that masks are effective, and we fully support our local public health recommendations for masking while indoors, even among those who are fully vaccinated. We encourage following the CDC guidelines for masking and vaccination.

It is highly unfortunate, and potentially dangerous, that local public health policies enacted in recent days have come under criticism and attack. We call upon our community leaders and elected officials to yield to the expert medical opinions of our public health experts that are intended to keep us all safe.

Wearing a mask is most important if you or someone in your household has a weakened immune system because of age or an underlying medical condition. It also helps protect others in your community. Getting vaccinated remains the most positive step you can take toward protecting yourself and those around you. If you have questions, we encourage you to talk with your physician who has the most current medical knowledge and information about the vaccines.

SLMMS recognizes and supports the physicians and public health officials serving our local communities and statewide who are advocating for vaccination, masking and policies to reduce COVID-19 transmission.