Dear Governor Kemp,

Over the past few weeks the state of Georgia has experienced a large surge in the number of Covid 19 cases as well as hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and deaths. As a healthcare provider, I am frustrated and saddened by the worsening situation in our communities and hospitals.

Masks covering the nose and mouth are a safe and well accepted intervention that dramatically decrease transmission of Covid 19 from one individual to another when social distancing is not guaranteed. In an effort to prevent further needless loss of life and health, my colleagues and I would implore you to make mask-wearing mandatory in the state of Georgia indoors in public places.

In much the same way that we don't smoke indoors, move out of the path of emergency vehicles and wear shoes in restaurants, wearing a mask is a small kindness we can offer each other to protect the health and safety of our communities. Please support our local governments in their efforts to protect all of our citizens from the ravages of this disease and help ensure the health and safety of all citizens in the great state of Georgia.

Respectfully,

Katherine Babaliaros, MD