It’s important as ever to continue to wear masks, wash your hands, and practice social distancing. We asked members of our City’s workforce to share why wearing a mask is important to them.

Joy Huertas wearing a mask that says Philly doesn't back down. We mask up.

Joy Huertas, Communications Manager, Office of Transportation, Infrastructure & Sustainability (OTIS)  

I oversee the communications for the Office of Complete Streets and the Mayor’s Vision Zero initiative, interacting with constituents via social media, email, and at in-person events and public meetings.

I wear a mask because they are proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19. They are important to me because they keep me and others safe.

Jigar wearing a mask that says Love your neighbor. Wear a mask

Jigar Modi, Budget Officer, Parks & Recreation

I handle accounting and budgeting duties for Parks & Recreation.

I wear a mask because it slows the spread of the virus and helps people who may have the virus and unknowingly transfer it to others.

Casey wearing a mask that says Love your neighbor. Wear a mask.

Casey C. Ross, Transportation Planner, Office of Transportation, Infrastructure & Sustainability (OTIS)

I work with our office’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator and the Deputy Director of Complete Streets to plan and implement multimodal transportation projects throughout Philadelphia. These projects support the City’s Vision Zero goal of reducing traffic deaths to zero by 2020 and strive to make Philadelphia’s streets safer for people walking, biking, riding transit, and driving.

I wear a mask because I have asthma, which puts me in a high-risk group for COVID-19 exposure. I want the people around me to be safe and wear their masks for my protection, and the least I can do is to wear my own mask to return the favor.

Jeanette wearing a mask that says Philly never backs down. We mask up.

Jeannette Brugger, Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator, Office of Transportation, Infrastructure & Sustainability (OTIS)

I talk to community members about complete streets and make sure street designs are safe for people who walk, take transit, bike, and drive.

I wear a mask because it is the right thing to do to show you care about your fellow Philadelphians.

Bhumika wearing a mask that says love your neighbor, wear a mask

Bhumika Bhatt Accountant, Department of Revenue

I make adjustments in taxpayers’ accounts and also testify as the City’s witness at public hearings at the Tax Review Board and Court of Common Pleas.

I wear a mask because it protects me, my loved ones, and the people around me.

Romesha wearing a mask that says love your neighbor, wear a mask

Romesha R Wilson, Human Resources Professional, Parks & Recreation

I fill open vacancies, administer benefit programs, and oversee the Family and Medical Leave of Absence program for Parks & Recreation.

I wear a mask because it helps me to protect myself from others and vice versa. Additionally, wearing a mask protects my family because I am taking precautionary measures while out in public.

Learn more about the City's response to COVID-19