Table 3.

Recommendations to Increase Face Masks Use and Physical Distancing Among Black Americans

• [Individual Level] Increase acceptability of face mask use and physical distancing. Increase access to face mask use via outreach. • [Interpersonal Level] Promote empathy and respect from family, peers, and colleagues and not “mask-shaming” or pressure to socialize as it relates to engagement in face mask use and physical distancing. • [Community Level] Mobilize the public health workforce (researchers, healthcare workers, and community-based organizations, etc.) to educate communities on COVID-19-related topics including transmission, prevention, and disparities in health outcomes to understand COVID-19 risks and potential health outcomes with scenarios representing each subgroup. • [Community Level] Train frontline workers (e.g., police officers, health care providers) on trauma-informed and restorative justice practices to engage communities, especially during pandemics or other public health crises, with the intent to reduce harm and maximize the effect. • [Policy Level] Advocate for policy development and/or change that promotes equity in social determinants of health and antiracism in public health and healthcare. The political climate and systemic factors such as racism and socioeconomic status must be considered when recommendations are being drafted. Potential target areas include, but are not limited to:  ○ Allot funding to dispense masks at places such as schools, jobs, colleges, and healthcare offices.  ○ Develop community health worker programs to educate the community on face mask etiquette and physical distancing in multigenerational housing.  ○ Invest in public health research to further explore strategies to increase engagement in facemask use, physical distancing, and other preventive behaviors  ○ Mobilize grass-root organizations and local businesses to dispense masks.  ○ Increase livable wages to financially access masks or provide free access to masks.  ○ Encourage mask mandates and strategies to promote physical distancing in social spaces.