At the end of June, Goldman Sachs offered the idea that if all Americans wore masks, it could save about 5 percent of GDP over another coronavirus-induced national lock down.

Weeks later, U.S. governors and mayors still are fighting over mask mandates while the Brazilian president – who didn’t like the idea of masks at all like U.S. President Donald Trump –now is sidelined after testing positive for the coronavirus for the second time.

Goldman Sachs’Effective Lockdown Index (ELI) indicates social distancing and closures subtracted 17 percent of GDP from the U.S. economy between January and April, while countries with even more aggressive restrictions saw even larger economic effects.

Goldman Sachs goes on to say that a national face mask mandate could partially substitute for renewed lockdowns that otherwise would subtract nearly 5 percent from GDP.

Let’s all imagine the implications a worldwide mask mandate would have on the global economy, especially as India begins to eclipse Brazil for second place on the not-coveted list of COVID-19 hotspots, with the United States still occupying the number one spot. Each country has more than a million cases.

Meanwhile, people are confused by mixed messages from government officials and businesses over whether to wear a mask, while politicians and pundits fuel the fires of indecision by politicizing the decision.

At Stoltz One Health, we’re importing masks as fast as we can to help the U.S. and other countries have supplies for medical workers and others on the frontlines. Our manufacturers are working day and night to supply us with lifesaving PPE.

But Goldman Sachs provides a fresh perspective on why we should wear masks: to prevent a catastrophic dip in our economic fortunes that would come from more lockdowns.

We know it’s no fun to wear a mask – especially in the brutal heat wave sweeping the states or across the hemisphere where winter rain and wind make it no fun.

But you know what is fun? Going to the movies, visiting art galleries, hearing live music, eating at a favorite restaurant and seeing family and friends.

I thought it would be helpful to add my voice to the conversation, decidedly on the side of wearing masks. Yes, that may sound self-serving as a mask importer. Fair enough. But I’m also a human, and a lover of culture, travel, food, friends, fine wine and all the things that make life so bearable and beautiful to live. I have lived between South Africa and Atlanta for many years and its unbearable to think that I could have to stay on side of the pond for more months or years than I can fathom.

So, I wanted to share my top reasons for why I will wear a mask (some tongue in cheek, but all heartfelt) while urging a national mandate for masks – and hopefully eventually an international standard until we get a vaccine: 

• Because Morgan Freeman told me in this moving ad released by New York State that says it shows respect – let’s show each other respect.
• Because it could save Ouma and Oupa’s lives, though this was a clever way for a safe visit.
• Because it doesn’t hurt anyone to do so and with cloth face coverings, you can let your personality shine through.
• So that we can still shop at our favorite stores or dine at our favorite eateries. I worry how our world will look if further lockdowns close our favorite restaurants, art galleries, stores and all the places that give our neighborhoods identity and flavor.
• So can we can look at our favorite art in person, hear our favorite music live and see beautiful works of literature brought to life on stage, though Disney gave us all a thrill by bringing Hamilton brought to the masses for the Fourth of July.
• So that we can go to movies – an amazing pastime that is enjoyed around the world. It’s great to see some movie companies back in action.
• So that we can enjoy each other’s company, make new friends and continue to build relationships to will benefit us from birth to death and in between.

The truth is, I don’t want to live in a world in which lockdowns are the norm, where we’re scared to touch or see each other in person, and where new friends are hard to make. 

Imagine the innovation that could be lost forever, the creative endeavors from movies to plays to music to art that won’t happen and the lifelong friendships never formed.

So, until we have a vaccine for COVID-19, I urge us all to mask up – it’s not only good for our health but also for our economy, our creative classes, our neighborhoods,our communities and our souls.

Share with me below - what are your reasons for wearing a mask?

About the author: Leon Stoltz is the founder, CEO and Chairman of Stoltz One International, a global company that develops and operates businesses within a number of sectors in the United States, Japan, South Africa and Switzerland and imports medical equipment and PPE under its trading division, Stoltz One Health. He can be reached at leon@stoltzone.com.