The Oregon Health Authority announced its plans to drop the indoor mask mandate by March 31st, stating that they anticipate that covid case numbers will drop. However, we know that removing this simple, effective precaution will lead to more infections, hospitalizations and deaths. This decision is a blatant sacrifice of our disabled, elderly and immune compromised community members. Lifting the indoor mask mandate will make it more dangerous for them to access public spaces and necessary services such as grocery shopping, medical appointments as well as their work places. This decision will also put young children in danger. 

Covid is preventable! Masks work. Lifting the indoor mask mandates will prolong this pandemic. We’re all eager to return to a pre pandemic existence, but we must value human life above comfort and convenience. We have a moral duty to protect each other from further harm, and when we protect our most vulnerable people, we protect everyone. Please sign and tell Kate Brown and the Oregon Health Authority to maintain the indoor mask mandate until the pandemic is over!