by Xinhua writer Xia Lin
NEW YORK, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- More personalities and organizations are voicing for #MaskUp, after the New York State government partnered with The RealReal, an online and brick-and-mortar marketplace, and dozens of New York fashion designers on Monday to launch the campaign to benefit COVID-19 relief efforts and remind the public of the need to wear masks.
"I #MaskUp because I believe in public health, love my kids and know that together we can stop the spread," tweeted Chelsea Clinton, American author, global health advocate, and the only child of former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former U.S. Secretary of State and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
"I #MaskUp to protect my community and because I love New York!" tweeted New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo's daughter Mariah Kennedy Cuomo, who was identified as a volunteer in the campaign against the pandemic.
"We are 8 months into this pandemic and it is getting worse, not better. The need to #MaskUp is REAL. I wear a mask for my grandfather - who do you #MASKUP for?" Melissa DeRosa, secretary to Governor Andrew Cuomo and chairwoman of the NYS Council on Women & Girls, tweeted later Monday.
MAKE DIFFERENCE
The American Medical Association (AMA), the largest association of physicians and medical students in the United States, posted a #MaskUp video on its website, saying, "Wearing a mask saves lives. According to the CDC, if everyone wears a mask, over the next 4-8 weeks we could drastically reduce cases of COVID-19. So even if you feel fine, #MaskUp to protect yourself and those around you."
The Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA), an organization representing all the hospitals and health systems in Washington State, is coordinating the #MaskUp campaign by "sharing the message that social distancing and masks save lives."
"We know that wearing a mask makes a huge difference in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Many different hospitals and public health districts are exploring how best to encourage those around them to wear a mask," said WSHA.
"Cuomo's 'Mask Up' campaign involves a weekly drop of exclusive masks designed by a group of participating local designers, including @PrabalGurung, Collina Strada, Jonathan Cohen, Victor Glemaud, and more," Vogue Magazine highlighted the campaign on its Twitter account.
"It's not often that we get to share a @voguemagazine article! Thanks to @NYGovCuomo and the @therealreal for this #MaskUp campaign that will, in part, benefit NY Food Banks. We've always thought masks were on-trend. #NYTough," tweeted FeedingNYS, a not-for-profit organization based in Albany, New York, to help its members (nine New York state food banks and food rescue organizations) secure donations and volunteer support.
LIMITED EDITION
The #MaskUp campaign aims to raise funds for communities impacted by COVID-19 by donating mask profits to three charities working in New York and across the country to help people in need -- Feeding America, Nurse Heroes and the New York COVID Relief Fund, said a press release from the state government.
Particularly, the state and The RealReal will release a limited-edition "New York Tough" mask designed by acclaimed New York fashion label Public School as part of a five-week campaign featuring themed weekly mask drops, said the release.
"As we continue the fight against COVID-19, one fact is clear - masks help stop the spread and save lives. But it's also clear that COVID-19 fatigue is setting in and that presents its own challenge," said Cuomo at his daily press briefing on Monday.
"We need to find creative ways to encourage people to wear masks. The Mask Up campaign leverages the creativity of the New York fashion community to help solve this public health challenge, while simultaneously raising funds for communities impacted by COVID-19. Take a look at the NY Tough masks and mask up. Together, we will beat this virus," he added.
"At a time when so many are looking for a way to make a difference, wearing a mask has the power to save lives, and is a statement about who you are," said Mariah Kennedy Cuomo at the press briefing.
"The Mask Up campaign unites incredible designers who are deeply connected to New York, the fashion capital of our country. The RealReal and New York State are partnering to harness the power of the fashion community to convey a very simple, but critically important message: Mask Up. Stop the Spread. Save Lives! Our country is still battling COVID-19, and this campaign demonstrates that we can find fun, creative ways to make an impact," she added.
EXTREME IMPORTANCE
Advocacy for the #MaskUp campaign picks up, as mask-wearing, which public health experts say is among the most effective means of curbing the spread of COVID-19, remains divisive among Americans though the coronavirus keeps spreading in the country at an alarming rate.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has emphasized the importance of wearing a mask. But ordinary Americans still have questions: Do all masks provide the same protection? Do people need to change their masks daily? Should people avoid touching the outside of the mask and then touching their face? Is a simple face cloth the same as an N95 mask?
Meanwhile, mask wearing has become a topic in the recent presidential debates and town halls. U.S. President Donald Trump himself was often seen in public not wearing a mask, while contender Joe Biden was usually seen wearing one.
"Masks are extremely important," said Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. "It's people protecting each other. Anything that furthers the use of masks, whether it's giving out free masks or any other mechanism, I am thoroughly in favor of."
CDC Director Robert Redfield also made a similar plea, especially to younger Americans, saying it was "critical" that Americans "take the personal responsibility to slow the transmission of COVID-19 and embrace the universal use of face coverings."
As of Tuesday noon, the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University reported 225,817 coronavirus deaths during the past eight months in the United States, the worst in the world. Enditem
