As states begin the process of trying to safely re-open public spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic, few issues have proven to be more controversial than whether people should be required to wear face masks when out of the house.
Some states have seen well-publicized protests regarding face masks, and it has become a surprisingly partisan issue, with 75% of Democrats in favor of wearing masks compared to 53% of Republicans, according to a recent survey.
Guidance from public health authorities on wearing masks has been evolving throughout the pandemic, and a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine recommended advocating for wearing masks in public to curb the spread of disease.