Catholic Medical Center (“CMC”) commends the decision by Governor Sununu to implement a statewide mask mandate. Universal masking is a critically important and scientifically supported step to curb the dramatic rise in COVID-19 in New Hampshire. As a healthcare organization, CMC urges every Granite Stater to take this sensible mandate seriously and help bring the virus under control. Each and every one of us has a role to play in protecting our families, friends and colleagues from contracting the virus. Wearing a mask in every appropriate place is just one step. To beat the virus, we must also follow the basic and proven guidance of social distancing, frequent hand washing and staying home when sick. An effective, widely available vaccine is still many months away. Until then, these steps are the most important things we can do to save lives.