It is of no surprise to those in the scientific community, that with Gov. Abbott’s declaration of face masks being “encouraged,” not required in Texas in conjunction with his premature “re-opening” of Texas businesses, the infection rates of Coronavirus have increased dramatically in the last month.

LIVE UPDATES- Texas Coronavirus Map and Case Count

For those arguing that this is an infringement on your liberties; there is precedence to combat this.  In June 1919 the Harvard Law Review published an article by legal philosopher Zechariah Chafee, Jr. titled “Freedom of Speech in War Time” and it contained a version of the expression spoken by an anonymous judge: “Your right to swing your arms ends just where the other man’s nose begins.”  This precedent can easily be applied to instances in which an individual is a vessel for a potentially deadly virus and transmits this illness to others.  

Studies suggest that face masks, if worn properly, are effective in blocking large droplets, splashes, sprays, and splatter that may contain viruses and bacteria. However, non-N95 respirators do not provide complete protection and therefore proper distancing and hygiene precautions remain important as well.   As the CDC recommends, face masks/coverings should be worn with few exceptions including; (1) children under 2, (2) individuals with pulmonary issues, and (3) in cases of extreme aversion (e.g., sensory processing and/or trauma related). These exceptions can be authorized by a medical doctor via a chart review, curbside check, and/or a telehealth visit.  

There are numerous data and studies to support the compulsory need for mask wearing to minimize transmission of COVID-19 (Coronavirus)  in Texas, here are a few of those studies:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7228242/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7186508/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4941551/

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/epidemiology-and-infection/article/face-masks-to-prevent-transmission-of-influenza-virus-a-systematic-review/64D368496EBDE0AFCC6639CCC9D8BC05

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7210459/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7191274/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7263249/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5779801/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7254130/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7246096/

We, the signers of this petition, believe wearing masks/face coverings in Texas (outside of your residence) should be compulsory. Medical exceptions could be provided by a medical doctor for one or more of the following reasons; (1) children under 2 years of age, (2) individuals with pulmonary issues making mask wearing dangerous, (3) individuals with an extreme aversion secondary to medical diagnosis (e.g., PTSD from trauma or sensory processing disorder).

 

Important information to note:

1. There are currently approximately 16,211,198 registered voters in Texas.
2. Approximately 8,969,226 registered voters in Texas voted in the last presidential election (2016).
3. Approximately 8,202,811 registered voters in Texas voted in the last gubernatorial election (2018). 
4. Fifty-one percent of 8,202,811 is 4,183,434.
5. We need 4,183,434 signatures to show Gov. Abbott that this could impact his re-election campaign. SO, please SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!!!