St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper advocates universal mask-wearing
(Stock photo)
By Mike Scott, mscott@stph.org
While St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper stopped just short of requiring the wearing of face coverings in public this week, he acknowledged the crucial role of universal public mask-wearing in curbing the spread of COVID-19 and strongly urged local residents to “recognize the vital importance of taking personal responsibility at this crucial time.”
“I want us to continue to move forward,” Cooper said in a statement released Wednesday (July 1). “I also want to keep St. Tammany healthy. To do all of these things, we need each and every citizen of St. Tammany to do their part. We need each and every citizen to make the commitment to be a part of the solution as we slow the spread of this virus.”
Cooper’s advice echoes that of epidemiological experts, who recommend mask-wearing among members of the public. That includes Dr. Mike Hill, an infectious disease specialist at St. Tammany Health System.
“While there’s no single magic bullet to defeat COVID-19 yet,” Hill said, “there are a handful of things we know we can do to stop its spread – and mask-wearing in public is at or near the top of the list.”
Hill also stressed the importance of hand washing and social distancing – in concert with mask-wearing – in halting the spread of COVID-19.
Cooper’s statements on masks come as other local governmental leaders – including those in New Orleans, Jefferson Parish and Baton Rouge -- have mandated public mask wearing as COVID-19 cases surge following the state’s loosened restrictions as part of the move to Phase 2 of its reopening.
After Louisiana’s initial COVID-19 restrictions dramatically slowed the disease’s spread, the state on Wednesday (July 1) reported its largest number of new cases – 2,083 – since April 4.
As of Thursday, St. Tammany Health System was treating 13 COVID-positive inpatients, its highest number since May 11.
Read Cooper’s full Wednesday statement on mask-wearing below:
“Medical experts agree that when you wear a mask, you protect others by preventing the spread of your own germs. Employees of businesses and restaurants who serve the public are required to wear masks through the current proclamations issued through our State, and Parish Government.
“In the last few days, several parish and municipal leaders in southeast Louisiana have issued mandatory mask orders for the general public in the ongoing effort to protect the public from the COVID-19 pandemic. While I respect their decisions, I have chosen not to issue such an order here in St. Tammany at this time. I am, however, going to continue to stress to every citizen, the importance of wearing a mask in public to prevent the spread of COVID-19. I’m going to continue to ask that citizens, particularly those who have contact with large numbers of people wear masks. I am going to ask that patrons of our local businesses wear masks.
“Unless the numbers warrant otherwise, I will continue to support the right of businesses to open with limited capacity, and I will support the free movement of our citizens within the guidelines of Phase 2. I continue to ask each of us to recognize the vital importance of taking personal responsibility at this crucial time to prevent the spread of COVID-19. I want our businesses to remain open and eventually reopen fully. I want us to continue to move forward. I also want to keep St. Tammany healthy. To do all of these things, we need each and every citizen of St. Tammany to do their part. We need each and every citizen to make the commitment to be a part of the solution as we slow the spread of this virus.
“I continue to gather expert medical opinions and data to make decisions on what is best for St. Tammany. I ask each and every citizen to continue to maintain physical distancing, avoid large gatherings, wash their hands frequently and please — wear a mask. I trust each and every citizen of St. Tammany will do their part to keep our community and our economy healthy.”