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Professor Mohapatra Discusses Mixed Messages and Mask Mandates
07/28/2020
Challenges to Gov. Eric Holcomb’s mask mandate in Indiana are not likely to be successful, according to Seema Mohapatra, IU McKinney Associate Professor of Law.
Professor Mohapatra spoke with NBC affiliate WTHR regarding mask mandates during the COVID-19 health crisis, noting that studies point to the effectiveness of masks, but that earlier messaging on the subject led to confusion and distrust.
“You need to have a positive message about why someone will want to wear a mask,” Mohapatra said.
She said public leaders need to explain that we are learning more about what is effective in stopping the spread of the virus. Mohapatra said there needs to be consistent messaging backed by studies.
Professor Mohapatra is a Dean’s Fellow at IU McKinney Law. Her research has focused on equity issues, centering on race and gender, in bioethics, public health law, and biotechnology and the law. She is an expert in the areas of health care law, public health law, bioethics, torts, and international family law.
