That is the question. It is a question that puts Americans on either side of a great divide. The anti-maskers typically fall on the conservative side of the political spectrum and often cite individual freedom as a reason for going sans mask. You might also hear some conspiracy theory mantra from them or hear that the mask can make you sick. The anti-maskers often downplay the effects and severity of the coronavirus. They generally base their knowledge and understanding of the virus on the proclamations of the President rather than epidemiologists, virologists, and other healthcare professionals trained in combating disease.
Will I change minds with this writing exercise? Highly doubtful. However I do think it's important to point out a few things to give context to masking decisions.
First, I realize that by wearing a mask I won't necessarily guarantee I will not contract the disease. Experts have noted from the beginning that masks can help prevent transmitting the disease to others. We know that the vast majority of people will be largely unaffected, but at-risk populations are prone to severe illness and death from COVID-19. We also know that people can be positive for the virus, but be asymptomatic. Therein lies the best case for wearing masks - prevent asymptomatic people from spreading to high risk individuals - or spreading to others who might spread to high risk individuals. See a pattern here? One individual can infect many through exponential growth.
I'm not reinventing the wheel here. I'm outlining what we already know from experts. The question remains - why are there so many fervent anti-maskers? Why won't they listen to experts? Do they visit a landscaper for cardiac disease? Does a plumber treat their arthritis? How about an electrician treating cancer? Then why do they follow the lead of a real estate developer in coronavirus matters?
To be clear, mandates to mask up are done from the perspective of protecting public health. Concerns for public health are why we have laws regulating tobacco, alcohol, cocaine, and heroin. It's why we have traffic laws and laws which regulate the practice of medicine. A civilized society needs rules. Yes, we have rights and freedoms, but the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few (or the one). We could all learn a little humanity from Mr. Spock.
Masks and social distancing will slow the spread of the virus. The recent surge in cases has reinforced the importance of following these common sense guidelines.
So come on folks - wear a mask. It's a minor inconvenience that won't kill you, but may save a life.
Will I change minds with this writing exercise? Highly doubtful. However I do think it's important to point out a few things to give context to masking decisions.
First, I realize that by wearing a mask I won't necessarily guarantee I will not contract the disease. Experts have noted from the beginning that masks can help prevent transmitting the disease to others. We know that the vast majority of people will be largely unaffected, but at-risk populations are prone to severe illness and death from COVID-19. We also know that people can be positive for the virus, but be asymptomatic. Therein lies the best case for wearing masks - prevent asymptomatic people from spreading to high risk individuals - or spreading to others who might spread to high risk individuals. See a pattern here? One individual can infect many through exponential growth.
I'm not reinventing the wheel here. I'm outlining what we already know from experts. The question remains - why are there so many fervent anti-maskers? Why won't they listen to experts? Do they visit a landscaper for cardiac disease? Does a plumber treat their arthritis? How about an electrician treating cancer? Then why do they follow the lead of a real estate developer in coronavirus matters?
To be clear, mandates to mask up are done from the perspective of protecting public health. Concerns for public health are why we have laws regulating tobacco, alcohol, cocaine, and heroin. It's why we have traffic laws and laws which regulate the practice of medicine. A civilized society needs rules. Yes, we have rights and freedoms, but the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few (or the one). We could all learn a little humanity from Mr. Spock.
Masks and social distancing will slow the spread of the virus. The recent surge in cases has reinforced the importance of following these common sense guidelines.
So come on folks - wear a mask. It's a minor inconvenience that won't kill you, but may save a life.
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