Why don’t you want to wear a mask? Is it because the Center for Disease Control and Prevention switched its stance on wearing face coverings? Is it because you don’t trust the effectiveness of face coverings in general? Or because you just “don’t want to.” First of all, if the reason you aren’t wearing a mask is due to a political issue, then you’re being oblivious and impolite to the world around you. In March, the government--and specifically Dr. Fauci--merely stated the public should refrain from using face coverings when the supply of masks for healthcare workers was limited, and nonetheless, the novel coronavirus was just emerging in the U.S. in March. NEWSFLASH! It is no longer March; it's August!, and as of July 26, 2020, in just the U.S. 4.1 million people have been diagnosed with Covid19, with many more undiagnosed, and over 145,000 total deaths. So if you are under the impression that the situation isn’t as grave as you think, then you are mistaken. Also, one final thing, if you are confused as to why the president of the United States is saying we are doing just fine, please make no mistake, he is wrong. His data is flawed, as his administration is giving him falsified numbers that only interpret a certain amount of data given, and then skew the total U.S. numbers surrounding COVID--making them look good, even though they are bad. If you don’t believe me check out the interview he had with Chris Wallace on Fox News--maybe that will change your mind.
On the other hand, many believe a piece of cloth over one’s face is ineffective, but inspecting the statistics shows the power of our new social norms. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) backed study, maintaining “3 feet (1 meter) from other people lowered the chances of coronavirus infection or spread by 82%.” The study also noted “social distancing” along with wearing a face mask could help “prevent transmission of the coronavirus 85 percent.” This data-driven science has proved the need for people to wear masks and trust the science in combating this virus.
The only other reason (in my mind) for not wearing a mask is because you think it “looks weird.” Looking from a more personal and emotional perspective maybe one can realize its necessity. I recently watched a PBS video on the loss of loved ones due to the Covid-19 pandemic. One family, in particular, lost their father (75) to Covid-19. As he was dying in the hospital the staff wouldn’t allow the family to be with him due to hospital regulations. They will never see him again. Just imagine your grandfather, contracting the virus and passing away in solitude. It's something no one would wish upon anyone. You don’t have to be an altruistic person-, but this virus is killing thousands of lives and hurting even more. In a society where individuals have consciousness and are naturally compassionate, you--the person reading this--can find a way to follow the fundamental principle of respect by having awareness for others. This virus isn’t just about you, neither do your actions only affect you. Anything you do can impact others even if you aren’t aware of it.
I just want to let you know that I have fallen victim to the mentality of the “I don’t want to” when it comes to wearing masks. I didn’t want to always wear a mask and stay cooped up in my house. But having parents who are highly susceptible to contracting the coronavirus; I have to do my part. So understand that we all don’t want to do things, but it’s in the best interest of our society during these uncertain times, to be better.
Bibliography:
Spencer, Saranac Hale. “Outdated Fauci Video on Face Masks Shared Out of Context.” FactCheck.org, 19 May 2020, www.factcheck.org/2020/05/outdated-fauci-video-on-face-masks-shared-out-of-context/.
Rettner, Rachael. “Face Masks May Reduce COVID-19 Spread by 85%, WHO-Backed Study Suggests.” LiveScience, Purch, 2 June 2020, www.livescience.com/face-masks-eye-protection-covid-19-prevention.html.
“Why losing a loved one amid COVID-19 means a different kind of goodbye,” PBS NewsHour, April 27, 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgBOA8vSra0
Wallace, Chris. “President Trump goes one-on-one with Chris Wallace | Full Interview,” Fox News, July, 19, 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6XdpDOH1JA.