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PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE

The COVID-19 Pandemic –

Are We Really All In This Together?

By Gerald Q. Greenfield Jr., MD, 2020 BCMS President

While current national and on to other people, leading to a widening of the pandemic.
local monikers state that we Public health statements now emanate from all levels of govern-
are all in this together, the use ment and medicine, causing recommendations to differ in some
or not of masks would sug- respects and consequently to be politicized. As a result, both physi-
gest otherwise. The wearing cians and politicians are being accused by some members of the
of masks is recommended for all who are outside of their home, society of infringement on their freedom. This leads to the ques-
not in an automobile or who are in a confined space (such as their tion of whose freedom is being limited? Is the freedom of the
home). The political and medical leadership of this country were asymptomatic infected person who can possibly infect others and
both initially unsure and unclear about the wearing of facemasks widen the pandemic limited? Is it their freedom to have the ability
during this pandemic. Even Dr. Anthony Fauci initially stated that to expose others in society to unnecessary risk? Who then will care
there was little value in the use of facemasks. However, as scientists for those newly infected patients? Are first responders and medical
have learned more and more about the virus and its effects, the providers obligated to assume extra risk for themselves and their
use of facemasks or face-coverings by all members of society has families due to irresponsible behavior by members of the society?
been recommended; even children are shown to gain a protective Do first responders and other members of the medical team have
advantage. freedom? Can they choose not to participate as care providers in
The ability of political leaders to provide direction in a public order to protect themselves and their families from unnecessary
health crisis is only as good as the value of the medical recommen- risks? When a person insists upon their rights without acknowl-
dations they receive. As I mentioned, the use of masks was not ini- edging their responsibilities, that is not freedom; it is adolescence.
tially recommended, but it has now been proven to be efficacious Adults behaving as pedantic children, focusing on the details of
in prevention of disease transmission. Leadership, both political their rights only, must be treated based on their actions. Just as chil-
and medical, must recognize errors, correct the errors, and provide dren need evidence and leadership to act responsibly, so do adults.
guidance in a timely manner. They must provide explanations of Guidance, at times, must be stern and potentially supported by
changes and then chart new direction. Instead, the use of masks punitive measures. When an explanation of the basis for guidance
and of certain medications has become part of partisan politics. is not adequate to change behavior, other measures become nec-
This points out the weaknesses of our political leaders on both essary. Members of the medical care team are by nature concerned
sides. Political leaders must be able to accept and adjust both guid- about the greater good, willing to take risks to protect public health
ance and support based on the effectiveness of prior acts and treat- and well-being. They cannot, however, be expected to embark on
ments, and based upon future expectations, which may continually suicide missions willingly and repeatedly.
change. The current patchwork and interpretation of medical rec- In summary, wearing a mask is more to help others than to help
ommendations regarding this virus is due to the lack of political oneself. Medical and political leadership all agree it is important to
unity and leadership. Medical guidance changes cannot be instituted control the spread of the virus. If we truly are all in this together,
without leadership support. Both medical and political leaders need then wearing a mask to help limit the spread of the virus is a small
to be consistent in reevaluating the changing situation, adjusting price to pay. It protects the rights of all people. This is of para-
guidance and regulations, and finally, providing non-partisan sup- mount importance when the contrary, not wearing a mask, puts
port of evidence-based medicine. In addition, political leadership the lives of medical professional along with their families at risk
is from the top, and top leaders must lead by example. of death.
The newest medical information indicates that masks protect
wearers to a small degree, and mostly protect other members of Gerald Greenfield, MD, is an Orthopedic Surgeon in Bexar County and
the society from a potentially infected person. Although an infected is the 2020 President of the Bexar County Medical Society.
person may be asymptomatic, it is still possible to pass the disease

8 San Antonio Medicine • July 2020