Mercy Medical Center Providers Stress Importance of Wearing Masks

SPRINGFIELD — Healthcare providers and support staff at Mercy Medical Center are sharing their personal reasons for wearing facemasks to get the word out about the importance of wearing such masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. These stories can be found on stanchion signs throughout the hospital and on Mercy’s social-media outlets.

COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Facemasks add a layer of protection because they prevent people who may have not yet had symptoms of the virus from passing it to others.

“The impetus for this campaign came from the realization of my own personal responsibility in helping my family members and colleagues stay safe and healthy,” said Deborah Bitsoli, president of Mercy Medical Center and its affiliates. “We are grateful to our colleagues who have shared their stories about why they believe it’s so important to wear masks at work and when they are out in public. These messages, from individuals on the front lines of the pandemic, are a powerful reminder of the positive difference we can make by coming together on this issue.”

To view the colleague stories, visit Mercy on Facebook at facebook.com/mercycaresspringfieldma or on Instagram at instagram.com/mercycaresspringfield.

How to wear a face covering correctly: put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin, try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face, make sure you can breathe easily, keep the covering on your face the entire time you’re in public, don’t put the covering around your neck or up on your forehead, and don’t touch the face covering — and, if you do, wash your hands.