CHICAGO — The American Medical Association (AMA) today launched the #MaskUp campaign, a robust effort to normalize mask wearing in the fight against COVID-19 and to debunk myths associated with masks as physicians combat misinformation. Along with physical distancing and regularly washing hands or using hand sanitizer, wearing a mask is the easiest way to stop the spread of COVID-19. The campaign will provide messaging and guidance to patients and assets to help physicians reinforce the need for masks.
“COVID-19 respects no geographic, demographic or ideological boundaries, and unfortunately it shows no signs of going away any time soon,” said AMA President Susan R. Bailey, M.D. “But there are simple steps we can all take to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. For starters, we urge everyone to #MaskUp! Make masks part of your daily wardrobe and regular routine. By wearing a cloth mask, practicing physical distancing, and regularly washing our hands, we can all prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
The #MaskUp campaign will include social media engagement, FAQs on masks and COVID-19, mythbusters on some of the common misconceptions and misinformation around masks, and continued AMA news stories on COVID-19 and steps people can take to stop the its spread. The campaign toolkit is available here. Follow along on the AMA twitter account @AmerMedicalAssn.
#MaskUp follows on the heels of last week’s PSA launch with the American Hospital Association and American Nurses Association aimed at bolstering mask wearing.
“Masks work. Masks save lives,” Dr. Bailey continued. “So do your part; #MaskUp!”
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About the American Medical Association
The American Medical Association is the physicians’ powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care. The AMA leverages its strength by removing the obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises and, driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care.
