CLEVELAND — One hundred leading health systems representing thousands of hospitals across the United States, including the Cleveland Clinic, have come together to urge all Americans to wear a mask and slow the surge of COVID-19 across the country and right here in Northeast Ohio.
The hospitals have collaborated to share a public service message with the hashtag #MaskUp and have created a video, pleading with citizens to wear a mask to help health care workers as they become overwhelmed with cases and hospitalizations.
Cleveland Clinic shared a video on social media to help spread the message to wear a mask.
“We put our lives on the line daily to keep you safe. So, do something for us. Wear. A. Mask.,” the video says.
Watch it in the player below:
The pandemic has hit healthcare workers hard. But despite the constant challenges they face, our doctors, nurses and medical providers are committed to keeping their communities safe.
— Cleveland Clinic (@ClevelandClinic) November 19, 2020
Show your appreciation. Wash your hands, practice social distancing and wear a mask. #MaskUp pic.twitter.com/59GFsxcCoW
Cleveland Clinic is just one of the health systems participating in the initiative urging mask-wearing, which has been shown to successfully limit the spread of COVID-19, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Hospital systems across the country will deliver the following message nationally to encourage people to wear a mask.
As the top nationally-ranked hospitals, we know it’s tough that we all need to do our part and keep wearing masks. But, here’s what we also know: The science has not changed. Masks slow the spread of COVID-19. So, please join us as we all embrace this simple ask: Wear. Care. Share with #MaskUp. Together, wearing is caring. And together, we are saving lives.
In addition to wearing masks, health care workers are also asking citizens to practice social distancing, remain vigilant and follow public health orders to help mitigate the spread of the virus.
Locally, the surge recently overwhelmed the City of Cleveland's ability to tally total cases, and Lake County now has one of the highest incidence rates in the state.
RELATED: Northeast Ohio healthcare workers getting COVID from community spread, Cleveland Clinic doctor says
