Masks are not political, their use is based on science. Both medical and non-medical grade masks reduce the spread of COVID-19 that has devastated our communities, families, workplaces, economy, and sense of normalcy. Outbreaks in our state prisons, group homes, long-term care facilities, food processing plants, and every Minnesota county are posing significant mental and physical challenges to our public and private sector workforce. One clear plan (of many) to slow the transmission of the COVID-19 virus is to issue a statewide mandatory mask policy while in public to protect workers, our communities, clients and our most vulnerable. We would support this policy and thank Governor Walz for his continued leadership!
Our brothers and sisters in labor have all expressed our outrage by the federal government’s clear inaction when it comes to the production and distribution of personal protective equipment. When we all wear a mask when we are in public we can again reduce the number of positive cases throughout our state and improve public health. This will protect all Minnesotans.
When we all wear masks to slow the virus' transmission and it is under control, we are fully confident that working people will meet the challenge of rebuilding our economy and systems rooted in social, racial, and economic justice.
In solidarity,
Julie Bleyhl
Executive Director
AFSCME Council 5, AFL-CIO