“Respect. Protect. Wear Your Mask." That's the new slogan for a campaign in northern Santa Barbara County encouraging people to wear face masks in public.
A group of local leaders and community organizations are hoping people will wear masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19 as more businesses open up.
They're also recommending people cover their nose with the face mask, frequently wash their hands and social distance.
"This disease is spread by droplets, so a mask protects those droplets from getting on someone else that’s nearby you, so it’s a small price to pay to keep our community safe. By you wearing a mask, you're protecting the person you're talking to,” said Sue Anderson, Marian Regional Medical Center president and CEO.
Campaign organizers are also using posters, flyers, videos and social media posts to share the public health message.
Others who have joined in on the campaign include Lompoc Valley Medical Center CEO Steve Popkin, Lompoc Mayor Janelle Osborne, Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Tribal Chairman Kenneth Kahn, Allan Hancock College President Dr. Kevin Walthers, among others.