By McRae Walker, Opinions Editor
Being forced to do something isn’t much of a problem when you’re faced with a deadly virus.
Now, there are a number of people who say that masks are unnecessary; that it’s an assault on their personal freedoms. However, by entering a public space, you are impacting the safety of everyone around you and your decision no longer affects just you.
It’s only right that you make the safest choice, which is WEAR A MASK!
Masks aren’t technically infallible, but they are helpful. A number of studies, including those provided by the University of San Francisco,Texas A&M University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all show less spreading of the coronavirus via masks. Many of the countries with the highest containment rates also used masks as a primary response.
Some critics say that masks don’t work, citing one or two different sources against the entire medical community. Granted, conflicting studies are inevitable and science is always changing, especially with widespread topics. However, no study is completely foolproof, and it is short-sighted to believe one person is inherently above all others. The safety of everyone should be the priority, not personal beliefs.
It has also been pointed out that masks can affect prior health conditions badly. If one is suffering from a breathing problem, for example, then a mask can make that issue worse.
There is also concern for those already at high risk. But if they are in an area where masks are recommended or required, then the danger of their situation should be known already. The best-case scenario would be to avoid these areas in the first place, or if unavoidable, spend as little time there as possible for the sake of personal wellness and the people around you.
The problem that wearing a mask causes people to breathe into their eyes, and then those people might rub their eyes with infected hands is yet another issue in the mask debate. Those already infected with the virus have also been shown to become more sick on occasion as a result of wearing a mask for an extended period. While these problems don’t have any clear solution, an ounce of prevention is a pound of cure:
Wearing the mask in the first place, accompanied with proper social distancing, lowers your chances of both of those potential outcomes.
A final point some have made is the societal implications of this phenomena. To be perfectly honest, societal norms have had to rapidly shift to meet the needs of stopping the virus. But there is no solution to this. It is a burden we will all have to bear at least until it is safe to stop.
Masks are not a fun matter of reality right now. They are annoying and lead to a number of arguments and discomfort that we could all do without (especially this year). But, masks are better for the well being of individuals and of everyone, really. Trying to take down this virus is a first priority. As much as it hurts to say, there is no freedom without a safe space to practice it.
Senior McRae Walker can be reached at 21walkermc92@daretolearn.org.
