Requirements for consumers to wear masks at public places like retail stores and restaurants are very similar to smoking bans, according to a group of experts who argue that mask requirements to stop the spread of COVID-19 should be considered ‘fundamental occupational health protections’ for workers at stores, restaurants and other public places.

In a paper published today (July 16, 2020) in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the professors say mask requirements to stop the spread of COVID-19 should be considered «fundamental occupational health protections» for workers at stores, restaurants and other public places.

«Both tobacco smoke and COVID-19 are air-based health hazards to workers who may be exposed to them for hours on end,» said Michael Vuolo, co-author of the paper and associate professor of sociology at The Ohio State University.

«Requiring that members of the public wear masks is a form of workplace protection.»

Vuolo, who researches the effectiveness of smoking bans, wrote the article with Brian Kelly, a professor of sociology at Purdue University who is an expert on health policy, and Vincent Roscigno, a professor of sociology at Ohio State who is an expert on labor and worker rights.

The main argument typically made against a mask requirement, as was the case with smoking bans, is that it violates the individual liberties of Americans.

Story Source:
Materials provided by Ohio State University. Original written by Jeff Grabmeier. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.