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This page offers all of Delaware Public Media's ongoing coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak and how it is affecting the First State. Check here regularly for the latest new and information.

Nemours and CHOP team up on mask campaign focused on hospitals

Nick Ciolino
/
Delaware Public Media

Nemours and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and other hospitals across the country are encouraging people to Mask Up once again.

Dr. Neil Rellosa is an infectious disease physician at Nemours. He says many people are feeling pandemic fatigue, and may be slipping on wearing a mask.

That’s why Nemours and CHOP are teaming up with hundreds of hospitals nationwide, including ChristianaCare, to bring people back to the basics and remember: wearing a mask helps prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

“Again this pandemic has shown us all that we are all as many have pointed out we’re in this together. That doesn’t just mean individuals but even competitors, rivals, we have put our self interests aside in order to make sure that we’re doing something for the greater good,” Dr. Rellosa said.

He says this collaboration aims to break through to those who might still refuse to wear their mask or may become lax in using them properly.

“We know that wearing a mask has been highly politicized and maybe they’re hearing it directly from the hospitals themselves and taking away that aspect and just saying this is a part of us in terms of medicine, medical science and not only protecting yourselves but lessening that burden on hospitals for those who do get sick,” Dr. Rellosa said.

Rellosa says it's more important now to make sure people are wearing their masks as we head into the holiday season, and people could be inclined to travel more, or relax when it comes to COVID-19 guidelines.

He adds the impending vaccines give hope for a path out of the pandemic, but it remains important to follow guidelines until health professionals determine otherwise.

Those who get a vaccine can still be virus carriers and transmit it to others who may not be able to get the vaccine as early.

One thing Rellosa says may change is the way American’s go about dealing with public health. Handwashing could be more ingrained in us, we may see more people wearing masks when they go out if they’re sick, or consider not going out at all.

He says this pandemic could be good for many workers, and businesses will have to reconsider their policies that may force people to come into work sick.

Until then, Rellosa and thousands of other doctors across the country urge people to keep wearing a mask.

Roman Battaglia grew up in Portland, Ore, and now reports for Delaware Public Media as a Report For America corps member. He focuses on politics, elections and legislation activity at the local, county and state levels.
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