U.S. Sen. John Barrasso doesn’t think shutting down the economy again due to a resurgence in cases of coronavirus is the right idea but he does think people should follow established guidelines to prevent the spread of the illness, such as the wearing of masks in public places.
Barrasso, appearing on FOX News on Tuesday, said he hoped wearing masks hasn’t become a political issue. He added individuals can wear masks and be supportive of President Trump at the same time.
“I am for President Trump and I wear a mask. As do members of my staff and family,” Barrasso said. “It is an important thing to do protect ourselves and a responsible thing to do to help protect others.”
Barrasso, a physician, said people need to follow the basics including: proper hygiene, social distancing and wearing masks.
“I wear a mask and I think others should as well,” he said.
However, Barrasso said calling on law enforcement to step in when citizens aren’t following health guidelines isn’t the right answer.
“What do you do with the individual who is not following guidelines and not doing the thing that is responsible?” Barrasso asked. “It is difficult to try to enforce something like wearing a mask.”
The senator said if people were to “get back to basics” and follow health guidelines, the U.S. would be in a better position.
“If people were actually following those guidelines, the numbers would be much lower than they are right now,” he said.
“As a doctor, the basics are: proper hygiene, distancing, and wearing masks. I think it is important,” Barrasso said.
The senator brushed off the idea of additional shutdowns, saying the toll on the economy and on the health of individuals would be too high.
“We know that when people can’t go to work and there is higher unemployment, there are issues related to abuse of substances and spouse and children. All of these things which can lead to bad health impacts as well,” he said.
