As new coronavirus cases continue to rise each day in Oklahoma, the Healthier Oklahoma Coalition is launching the Got Mask? Oklahoma campaign to highlight Oklahomans using masks and their reasons why. Launched just in time for the July 4th holiday weekend, the effort will include a website, GotMaskOK.org, with materials to distribute and a place to submit photos of everyday people wearing their masks and their reasons for doing so. The coalition also encourages people to post their pictures and reasons on social media with the hashtag #gotmaskOK.

The state had 7,184 new COVID-19 cases in the month of June alone and one of the easiest ways to slow the spread of coronavirus is by wearing a mask in public. New information shows that the virus is even more contagious than previously thought and can be spread by those with active symptoms or by asymptomatic people.

That’s one reason why George Monks, M.D., wears a mask when in public, but he also wears it to protect his patients and to ensure he doesn’t bring the virus home to his wife and children. Monks said he hopes other Oklahomans will join in wearing a mask and telling others about it.

“As we continue to see a spike in cases throughout the state, we also know that the July 4th holiday is one of the largest in regard to travel and socializing. While more people may spend time with friends and family members through the summer months, we want to encourage people to use masks whenever possible,” said Monks, president of the Oklahoma State Medical Association. “Slowing the spread of COVID-19 will help us to assist in the recovery of our economy while also doing all we can to protect each other.”

“Wearing a cloth mask is safe for the wearer and can prevent the spread of droplets from the mouth and nose put into the air when we talk, cough or sneeze, said LaWanna Halstead, R.N., M.P.H., who wears a mask in honor of those on the front lines in our Oklahoma hospitals who toil away in full PPE for up to 12 hours a day. Halstead is vice president of quality and clinical initiatives at the Oklahoma Hospital Association.

“Many of Oklahoma’s new cases are in the 18 to 35 age group. Because that group may show fewer symptoms, wearing a mask in public is even more important,” Halstead said.

Whether it’s someone protecting their grandmother who has diabetes or a grocery store worker who wears a mask to protect customers, all Oklahomans have a story to share, said Sam Ratermann, M.D.   

“I wear my mask to keep members of my community safe. We hope Oklahomans will join us in this campaign to show why we wear our masks and for whom by posting their photos on social media and encouraging their friends and families to do the same,” said Ratermann, president-elect of the Oklahoma Academy of Family Physicians. “It’s vital that we do all we can to protect each other as we fight this virus.”

Meanwhile, continue to wash your hands and practice social distancing but also let’s show we’ve Got Mask? Oklahoma!

The Healthier Oklahoma Coalition is a joint effort of some of the state’s leading health organizations, including the American College of OB/Gyns, Oklahoma Section, Care Providers Oklahoma, Leading Age Oklahoma, MyHealth Access Network, Oklahoma Academy of Family Physicians, Oklahoma Academy of Physician Assistants, Oklahoma Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Oklahoma Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, Oklahoma Chapter of the American Psychiatric Physicians Association, Oklahoma City County Health Department, Oklahoma Dental Association, Oklahoma Dental Hygienists' Association, Oklahoma Hospital Association, Oklahoma Nurses Association, Oklahoma Osteopathic Association, Oklahoma Society of Anesthesiologists and Oklahoma State Medical Association.