(KWWL) – A group of local Public Health Directors from ten Iowa counties are issuing a letter to Governor Kim Reynolds, strongly encouraging her to issue a mask mandate in the state of Iowa.

Health officials in the following counties signed the letter: Linn, Siouxland, Scott, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Johnson, Washington, Dubuque, Jones and Delaware. Black Hawk County Public Health Director, Dr. Nafissa Cisse-Egbuonye was a joint author as well.

Within the letter, officials say they’re following the advice of the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention citing this quote in their reasoning for the letter.

“We are not defenseless against COVID-19. Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus – particularly when used universally within a community setting. All Americans have a responsibility to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.”

Dr. Robert Redfield
Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Several of Iowa’s neighboring states have already issued mask mandates, including, Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota.

Earlier this week, the Johnson County Board of Health unanimously agreed to language needed for a mask mandate within the county that would be enforcable.

The full letter sent to Governor Reynolds can be read in its entirety below.