With the number of COVID-19 cases across the nation climbing, 123 of the nation’s leading healthcare systems have come together with an urgent plea for all Americans: Mask up.

Northern California has not been immune to the COVID-19 surge, so Sutter Health joined the other top healthcare systems to urge the public to wear masks when others are around.

“By wearing a mask, we’re telling everyone we see or come near how much we care about them and their health,” said William Isenberg, M.D., Sutter Health’s chief quality and safety officer. “In these days of COVID when we can’t give hugs, we can still express our love and concern by masking.” 

Healthcare systems have answered the call since the start of the pandemic and are more prepared than ever to care for the growing number of COVID-19 patients. Sutter Health, for example, activated and deployed a coordinated response across its integrated network in Northern California that has helped protect patients, employees and communities. However, there is growing concern that increasing cases will place only more strain on healthcare staff and facilities in the U.S. The Mask Up campaign emphasizes how wearing a face mask limits the spread of the COVID-19 virus, as recent studies have shown, with the intention to better manage this health emergency.

In an effort to reach a broader audience, the Mask Up public service effort will also include messages on digital platforms, social media, online information, links to vital health resources and more. The message reads:

“As the top nationally-ranked hospitals, we know it’s tough that we all need to do our part and keep wearing masks. But, here’s what we also know: The science has not changed. Masks slow the spread of COVID-19. So, please join us as we all embrace this simple ask: Wear. Care. Share with #MaskUp. Together, wearing is caring. And together, we are saving lives.”

For further information about masking guidelines – how to choose a mask and how to properly wear a mask – visit the CDC website.

In addition to masking, the CDC suggests that everyone minimize the number of non-household contacts, maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet and limit the amount of time around others, especially while indoors and in poorly ventilated areas. These healthy habits can be especially helpful as the holiday season quickly approaches.