BizFed's call for a sensible "Mask Advisory" compromise made headlines yesterday in at least three languages across every platform of our mediascape: television, radio, digital, and print. Those headlines – and your amplification efforts – will make waves ahead of the county's official decision to reinstate its universal indoor mask mandate. You know how we feel about that.
Our members’ stance has remained consistent (unlike public health guidelines) throughout the pandemic. BizFed supports the use of masks, vaccines, and social distancing to reduce virus transmission. And we can do that with voluntary action over mandatory orders at this stage of pandemic recovery and endemic recalibration.
We're mobilizing business leaders to call for alternatives to a mask mandate that are more effective and less cumbersome for busy employers to enforce. The LA County Mask ADVISORY we're proposing would entail public education campaigns and stepped-up signage in public spaces to encourage voluntary masking.
Even the most well-intentioned policies crumble if they cannot be consistently enforced and the public has little will to comply, as evidenced by lax compliance with earlier orders and swiftly rescinded mandates in other jurisdictions. Both Alameda County and the city of Philadelphia pulled their reinstated mask mandates.
WE'RE URGING ALL BIZFED
MEMBERS TO SPEAK UP WITH US
> ACTION 1: All five supervisors need to hear from you and your members. Special thanks to Supervisor Kathryn Barger for understanding the moment and hearing us.
However, Supervisor Hilda Solis will likely be the key leader in getting common-sense voices across the finish line. Focus on letting her know your views. Please call her office at (213) 974-4111 and request implementation of the Mask Advisory over the universal mandate.
> ACTION 2: Sign on to our coalition letter. Send your logo ASAP to BizFed Policy Manager Denise Kniter for inclusion in our growing list of signatories.
Don't let sensible voices be drowned out!
Tracy Hernandez
BizFed Founding CEO
BizFed launched in 2008 and now unites more than 245 diverse business organizations. BizFed’s 150 investors include micro-businesses to iconic brands and institutions.