BOSTON, MA – In preparation for tomorrow’s hearing by the Joint Committee on COVID-19 and Emergency Preparedness Management, the Massachusetts Public Health Association (MPHA) has issued an open list of questions for Governor Charlie Baker and Secretary Marilou Sudders.  

“This is an opportunity to understand the reasoning behind the administration’s failure to implement common-sense measures, including a universal mask mandate,” said MPHA Executive Director Carlene Pavlos. “We need legislators to ask tough questions as we face this overwhelming surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.” 

MPHA encourages legislators and members of the media to ask the following questions:  

1.     Universal indoor mask wearing is a simple and effective strategy to reduce transmission. Gov. Baker, in the midst of an unprecedented COVID surge that is overwhelming our hospitals, what is preventing you from implementing a statewide indoor mask mandate?  

2.     There is broad agreement on the importance of keeping schools open. The state has extended the mask mandate in public schools to reduce the spread. Gov. Baker, why are you jeopardizing in-person learning by refusing to implement a universal indoor mask mandate to prevent spread in other indoor environments?  

3.     The state has distributed millions of rapid antigen tests. However, there is no state-specific guidance on their use, and there is widespread confusion about the most effective way that residents can use these tests and whether they should report the results. Gov. Baker, what is your strategy for using rapid tests to slow the spread?    

The Massachusetts Public Health Association (MPHA) is a nonprofit organization that promotes a healthy Massachusetts through advocacy, community organizing, and coalition building. We are leaders in the movement to create health equity by addressing the root causes of health and wellness. We promote policies that impact the major drivers of health outcomes, such as access to healthy food, safe affordable housing, and transportation. We also advocate for equitable public health services throughout the Commonwealth. To learn more, visit www.mapublichealth.org. ###