“At this critical juncture, we call on all states to adopt proven measures to mitigate the current surge of transmissions,” the group, which represents 12,000 physicians, scientists and public health experts who specialize in infectious diseases, said in a statement.
“Volumes of data have shown that masks are effective in reducing the risk of transmission. Data also show that communities with mask requirements have higher rates of mask use. We call on all people across America to protect themselves and others by following evidence-based measures to stop the spread of the virus,” the group added.
The group said virtual gatherings remained the safest way to bring friends and family together from distant points, while outdoor settings could reduce the risks of gathering with people from other households.
It urged people who had been exposed to an infected person to stay in quarantine for two weeks. “If you have been infected, you should remain isolated until it has been determined that you are no longer infectious,” the group said.
“All these measures will remain essential to advances against this pandemic even after the development and distribution of a safe and effective vaccine,” it said.