In a study published in Nature Medicine, the researchers delimited three possible future scenarios of the course of the COVID-19 epidemic in the United States at the state level: mandate-easing, plausible reference, and universal mask-use scenarios. These help frame and inform a national discussion on what actions could be taken during the fall of 2020 and the public health, economic and political influences that these decisions will have for the rest of the winter (here defined as the end of February 20201).

Under all scenarios evaluated, the United States is likely to face a continued public health challenge from the COVID-19 pandemic through February 2021 and beyond, with populous states in particular potentially facing high levels of illness, deaths, and ICU demands as a result of the disease. Their findings indicate that universal mask use, a relatively affordable and low-impact intervention, has the potential to serve as a priority life-saving strategy in all U.S. states.

You are likely tired of reading about mask-wearing and how important it is; however, until we can get the majority of the population on board, we will continue to beat the drum, wear a mask, and save a life- maybe yours!

Stay the course, stay strong, stay well, stay safe, mask up and stay tuned!