Americans must 'act responsibly' by wearing masks: Health secretary

As Covid-19 cases continue to rise around the United States, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar urged Americans to practice social distancing and wear face coverings as people go back to work and school. 

"This is a real call to action. We have all got to, as Americans, act responsibly," he said on "Good Morning America" on Monday, reports the CNN.  

While Azar said there are different circumstances depending on where one is, the advice is the same for everybody.  

"Social distance under all circumstances, and if you can't, wear facial coverings," Azar said. 

Azar said that the United States does not need a national mandate requiring masks, but need local leaders determining the circumstances in a community, and that individuals should assess their own situations and act responsibly.  

On Friday, Vice President Mike Pence said it is up to state and local governments to issue guidance and orders on face masks.

Face masks — which has been proven to be an effective way to stop person-to-person spread of coronavirus — has become a contentious topic.

President Trump has been reluctant to wear a face mask in front of cameras, and the debate over their use has spilled into local communities.

This week, residents of Palm Beach County in Florida erupted in anger at a commissioner's meeting after an unanimous vote to make masks mandatory.