Why I wear a mask
This is pretty off-topic, but based on some comments I've been getting, I thought it needed to be addressed.
(For instance, a reader on my Facebook page told me I was "submitting to the regime" by wearing a mask, and that it was "the new hijab".)
That is, uh, not quite how I see it. So, here are a bunch of words about why I wear a mask when I go out in public.
1. It's currently mandated by my local government
I'm a Christian, as you know, and the Bible says that I'm supposed to obey the government unless the government is asking me to sin.
I definitely do not think that wearing a mask is sinful, so in my mind, this clearly falls under the "obey the government" category.
As a Christian, this alone is enough to make me wear a mask. Even if I thought it was stupid, even if I thought it was unnecessary, I would still wear one because I think the Bible says I should.
So, I could actually just close out this blog post right here.
But I have a little more to say. 😉
2. The government already tells me what to do, in multiple ways
I have seen people basically losing their minds over being asked to wear a mask because they don't want the government telling them what to do.
Here's what I think about that:
The government has already assigned me a personal number that they use to keep track of me in multiple ways.
They make me pay taxes.
They make me obey a bazillion laws.
They make me register and educate my children.
A mask is hardly the first or the most intrusive thing they have asked of me; even if I thought it was an overreach, I would feel a little funny protesting this while silently paying taxes, using my social security number, registering my children with the education office, and so on.
It just seems like sort of an odd hill to die on.
3. Wearing a mask is not very hard
No one wears masks for fun, of course.
I don't love it, and I would way, way rather move through the world with my face uncovered, particularly when I have my glasses on!
And boy, I sure do dislike talking to people through a mask.
But compared with so many other things in life, mask-wearing is not all that difficult.
Medical workers do it all the time (I sure am grateful they sacrifice their personal comfort to keep us safe!), as do fire-fighters and painters and lots of other professionals.
And many professional masks are much worse than what we are being asked to wear.
This is a fairly small sacrifice.
4. I do think masks could be helpful
To be sure, we were getting a lot of mixed messages at the beginning of the pandemic.
But the current wisdom seems to point to it being prudent and helpful to wear a mask, particularly so that we protect the people around us.
I am no medical expert, but I think of it like this: we are always taught to cover our coughs and sneezes, even if it's just with our hand or our sleeve. The idea is that we can keep our germs from spreading, so it makes sense to me that a mask could help in the same way, even if it's not hospital-grade PPE.
Also, pre-pandemic, I regularly saw immuno-compromised people (such as cancer patients) wearing masks in public, on their doctor's orders. If masks did no good or were actually dangerous, I don't think oncologists would be having their patients wear them.
And I know it's been a politicized issue, but even top Republicans (including President Trump) are now wearing masks.
5. I want to care for those around me
What I currently read says that mask-wearing is less for my own safety and more for the safety of the people around me.
So, this is not a case of "You do you, boo!", or, "You make your bed, you can lie in it". My actions will not affect just me; they will affect those around me.
(Kind of like how if I don't obey stop signs, that's going to have some serious negative affects for people around my car.)
I can sacrifice a little bit of my freedom for the good of others. That seems like something Jesus would encourage.
6. I'm not convinced that mask wearing is dangerous
Nothing I've read thus far has persuaded me that I am likely to cause harm to myself, a healthy person, by wearing a mask.
If it seems
A) likely that mask-wearing could help the people around me
and
B) quite unlikely that wearing a mask is going to cause me any harm
then I'll be over here masking up cheerfully.
(I know some people do have health issues that prevent them from wearing masks. Which is all the more reason for people with no health issues, like me, to wear a mask.)
7. It seems like masks are a path to more freedom
It doesn't sound like the virus is exactly close to disappearing from the planet, which means that we have to figure out how to live with the virus.
I am happy to wear a mask if it means I am then able to go to physical therapy, go to the dentist, go to the grocery store, go to the library, take Sonia to the fabric store, and so on.
That's a much better deal than staying home, mask-free.
_______________________
I know that this could be a contentious topic to discuss in the comments.
But I also know that you are a lovely group of people, and that you all have managed to discuss similarly controversial topics politely.
So, have at it. 🙂
Amen!
Thank you so much for your post! I do wear my mask even outside most of the time unless I’m working in the yard, on my early morning walk or there is no possible way to be close to others.
I have to laugh though regarding people wearing masks in the car. I’ve been that person! I’m so used to wearing a mask now that when I get super busy running errands I’ve fogotten to remove my mask after getting back in the car. I roll my eyes at myself !
Amen. A sensible post about the real reasons masks could be helpful. My mother has developed bronchiectasis over the last few months. She h as coughed and spluttered her way throughout the pandemic. She has been tested over and over and doesn't have Covid 19 but she sounds awful. At some point she does have to leave the house and masks go with her. Our state has very very low numbers. The last case was a sailor being transferred off ship to get medical help. He is one of the two people currently listed as having the virus in Queensland.
Hey fellow Queenslander! I agree that making masks mandatory in a pandemic isn't really that bad. I mean we all wear seatbelts in cars because they are mandated by law. If we can all work together we can make a big difference. We have already made such big efforts to control Covid that wearing a mask seems like a small thing to do.
Thanks for this post, Kristen! Very well written and to the point. I 100% agree: We should wear masks to protect those around us, in particular those who cannot wear masks due to a medical condition or their age. In my opinion, the same applies to vaccinations.
Thank you for this sensible post! I agree with all your reasons, I especially like number one. It isn't the most fun thing to do (especially one these 90 degree days), but even if it helps others out a little I will do it. I see it as loving our neighbors and loving sacrificially like Christ did for us.
I love your quote: "I can sacrifice a little bit of my freedom for the good of others."
Also, this post is an example of why I have read your blog faithfully for over 12 years now! And thanks for the recommendation on Andrew Peterson's always good.
It is such a good song, isn't it? It has been my go-to song for many hard times in my life.
Agreed!! Thank you for this. As an immunocompromised person who lives near one of the original hotspots in the US, it’s been difficult to see all the push back on masking. When someone wears a mask it tells me that they value my life, even if they don’t know me. When they don’t, it can feel like a personal insult, that they really don’t care if I wind up on a ventilator or worse.
During the peak here, there were not enough ventilators to go around. So, if you got sick and if anyone even knew how to treat you, there was still no guarantee you’d be able to get the care you needed. My family had to have the difficult conversations about what our wishes would be if we were to get sick. I learned that in addition to a DNR request (do not resuscitate) there is also a DNI (do not intubate) request. Since it seemed like I would be in the category of people who do not recover, I had to tell my family that it was my wish for a DNI so that healthier people could use the ventilator as they would have a better chance of recovery.
When you go though decisions like that, the decision to wear a mask seems like nothing.
I love how you said that when you see people wearing a mask it communicates that they value your life. We feel the same way in regards to our immunocompromised son, but didn't have the words to express it.
I love this post. Thank you! I believe that it should be enough for people to acknowledge that the mask is for other people's health and safety. If it's even a TINY bit possible that you can stop the spread of this deadly virus by just wearing a mask, then it's worthwhile. Right? I'm so surprised by all of this uproar!
I’d also like to mention the random YouTube videos that say they don’t help. I’ve seen them, they’re very slick and convincing, and they’re also very easy to disprove. I think people want to believe anything that tells us it’s going to be ok. I totally get that, but we have to keep on pushing through the hard stuff. It will be ok again, and the sooner we pull together for each other, the sooner we’ll get there.
My DIL is science teacher and had her kids watch 2 videos, one written by scientist, another a random You Tube video. They had to research the credentials of both and even though the YT video they could not find either the college or scientist who wrote it the kids still cited facts from the YouTube video as being accurate.
Love this post!!!!
I agree with every word you wrote. I could say say more, but you said it all. Thank you for being reasonable.
I live in New York, where we are required to wear masks in public in situations where social distancing of 6' or more is not possible. Our infection numbers and rate of infection have decreased dramatically. I don't think this is coincidence, but rather due to our mask mandate and the fact that we have reopened our economy very slowly.
When things started opening back up, I returned to going to my office to work. Someone had posted a sign on the ladies' room door asking that women using this restroom wear a mask out of respect for others. That made me think, and even though there were very few people working in the building at that time (male or female), I wore my mask because it is important to whomever put up that sign. I still do. It's a small price to pay to keep us all safe.
Thank you.
I am in Jersey, and it is required that we wear them. In stores, and outside if you can not social distance.
Do I like wearing a mask? especially in the 90+ humid weather we have been having! Not really, but if it helps get rid/control this I am going to.
Never thought it was the government trying to control me. But trying to control this virus!
I think it should be left up the individual's personal choice.
Other people do not have any right to endanger my life, or even to threaten to endanger my life. No mask = threat to my life. If you think it is cool to point a loaded gun at someone else, well, ok then this is a personal choice, but I would never do that. Currently, the science is clear and unambiguous. Mask wearing is the single thing that will allow us to reopen our economy and educate our children. This is not a legitimate debate.
I completely agree, Stephanie.
Exactly
Well said Stephanie!
If you want to feel morally superior to me, be my guest. I just find it's not worth judging or fining people because of what they choose to wear or not wear on their face.
Are you okay with being fined for not wearing a seat belt? If so, what is the difference?
I am genuinely interested to understand your statement about the person feeling "morally superior" to you ~ what do you mean by that?
The truth is we "threaten to endanger" someone's life when we do lots of other things. I'm sure all of us have gone somewhere in public when we were sick before this pandemic without a mask. I know I haven't obeyed traffic laws perfectly and could have caused a car accident (those can be fatal).
I'm sorry, but not wearing a mask is definitely not equivalent to pointing a loaded gun at your face.
I think that masks are a reasonable thing to wear where you can't properly distance (especially indoors).
Attacking someone will not change their mind about wearing a mask. I think the biggest thing we need to remember is to be respectful and speak with grace and humility.
We're in this together for the long haul, so let's take Kristen's post as a wonderful example of calm communication and speak kindly.
Stephanie, can you please provide the science that is "clear and unambiguous"? Our governor recently issued a mask mandate via executive order (no shoes, no short, no mask - no service), but the reasoning and research listed in the executive order is "modeling which could indicate...", a study conducted by Goldman Sachs economists (not health experts), and one study done on a mid-size town in Germany with unknown variables. None of these are clear and unambiguous science, and I would like to see that!
In cases where my personal choices affect just me, I totally agree that the choice should be left to the individual. But when it comes to things like, as I said, stopping at stop signs, my personal choices could have terrible consequences for people other than me.
In cases such as these, it makes sense to have a law that prohibits me from doing something that hurts others.
I mean, some people do not stop at stop signs or red lights, and they do end up killing people as a result. But most of us accept that the inconvenience of stopping our cars is just something we have to do; we obey the law that is intended to protect people.
And this feels similar to me.
Well said
I typed up a long and lengthy response about my medical conditions, stuff that's going on in my life and the like. I deleted it all because like most things at this point, it's all pointless.
I know you're having a rough time right now, and I'm sending you hugs and care from afar; whether we see the mask issue differently or not doesn't affect that at all. <3
As am I. Please hang in there.
As a fellow long-time follower of TFG and specifically an admirer of yours, I have to respectfully disagree with you, Battra92. Nothing is pointless and I'm sorry it feels that way to you right now. We care about you and want what's best for you. I hope whatever is causing these feelings resolves itself satisfactorily and very soon. You are a valued member of this community. May it always be so.
The stop sign analogy is a really good one. I am someone who was terribly injured because someone else chose not to stop at a stop sign. There's no debate that what he did was wrong and illegal. There's no arguing that his actions harmed me. He was not exercising his right to free speech or individual freedom by ignoring the traffic laws. There are laws to protect us all, and if we don't follow them we will hurt others. Maybe not right away, but eventually. It's the same with masks. I would feel awful if I hurt someone else because I wasn't doing something like following traffic laws, or wearing a mask.
If you think it should be a personal choice than you should also respect the personal choice of stores which require masks to enter like Home Depot, Starbucks and Target among others.
This is reasonable!
I think of it like this: if I own a dog, it is my personal responsibility to keep it leashed in public and pick up its waste. This is for public safety reasons and is certainly not convenient for me, but in most places it is the law for the public good. I do, of course, have personal choice. I could choose to keep my dog only on my property and then it could be unleashed and I could allow it to go in an area where no one walks. When it comes to masks, I think it helps to think of it as a service you are choosing to do for the public good. Leaning on the altruism aspect of it makes the hassle of it seem more worthwhile.
You are absolutely correct, Battra92! I agree.
Stephanie - endanger your life? I think that’s a little extreme and your example ridiculous. The death rate is low. And the science is not as clear as you would like to think.
I agree with Liz. The science is ambiguous; if experts and doctors disagree (and they do; I have heard them), then there will be no easy fix. This IS a legitimate debate. Unfortunately, few people are using logic.
I'm not saying not to wear a mask; I'm not even refusing to wear a mask. I advocate for people to think beyond simple fixes to complex problems.
Yes, this! I keep hearing "the science is settled" about myriad healthcare issues, including Covid. The science is NEVER settled.
While the death rate may be low, the lasting consequences are very common: I've read (and have checked against peer reveiwed medical sources) about 50% of cases have heart problems post COVID infection. That's a pretty big deal to have heart trouble for life after contracting a virus.
My entire family is immuno-compromised - I did not exaggerate my own medical risk. My top job right now is to stay away from unmasked people. If I see one on the sidewalk, I run away (literally) if that is what it takes. I live in a very densely populated area (NYC) and most of the time I am able to get away from unmasked people without issue and (I think) without them knowing how scared I am of them. About once a week I have to turn tail, like if someone comes around a corner, surprises me getting out of a parked car, etc. It's socially awkward, but keeping us all alive is the priority.
NO--it is not up to you whether or not to endanger someone else in your society. You are not allowed to drive drunk because you endanger fellow citizens, you are not allowed to steal from others because their property is theirs. Why would you be allowed--be it legally or morally--to spread dangerous viral germs on another because you choose to? Go ahead and ignore seta belts--it's your life, not mine. Go ahead and eat garbage--your life. But do not breathe possible contaminated particles on me!
Battra92,
I have read your comments on many matters and respect your intellect. On this matter please think about this carefully as your health and possibly your life and the lives of those around you weigh in to your personal decision.
Also food for your consideration...do you believe it should be your surgeons personal choice to wear a mask or should the surgeon wear a mask because it is the current standard of medical safety for the patient. My point is that public mask wearing is the current standard of medical safety for covid 19 to date.
Very Respectfully,
Cathy in NJ
Thank you for this post. I’m a school teacher returning to school in a few weeks. Our district is requiring students and staff to wear masks. I am actually happy with this decision but hearing all the negativity around me has been overwhelming and a bit disappointing. I am so glad to be back in the building and building relationships with my students that a mask is a small price to pay. I really do wonder if people were more pro mask and wearing them more if our covid cases would be any different. It seems like a small price to experiment this way.
This is such a hot topic in my state as it is required in public. We have had guards stabbed to death over telling someone to wear one. Our country is so messed up right now. I wear a mask more for me. In my state the virus has hit such poor areas. I don't think it is a lot to ask to wear one. Not like it will be forever.
Are you sure it don’t be a forever expectation?
I am hopeful that it will not be, but only time will tell.
Thank you for speaking with reason and presenting your reasons so clearly. I hope it can be "heard" by all, including those who say things like what was told to you on facebook: you are “submitting to the regime” by wearing a mask, and that it was “the new hijab." Goodness. There is a lot going on in that comment...
It is strange and uncomfortable how people are politicizing this and other issues. For example, I was grocery shopping for my parents early morning several weeks ago. The grocery store had arrows in the aisles to direct shoppers to move in only one direction to avoid coming face to face with others (a small but reasonable attempt to protect in this time of pandemic). An older masked woman and her middle aged unmasked son kept going the wrong way and running into me as I shopped. I thought perhaps they were unaware of what the store was asking them to do -- I didn't know it right away either when it was first implemented. I pointed it out assuming they didn't know and presenting it that way. But unfortunately they became incredibly hateful to me. It became clear to me that they were actively choosing to disregard the arrow despite the fact that, again, she was wearing a mask and didn't like being "told what to do." I won't go into detail regarding all that was said to me but as I walked away, I heard her say in a stage whisper "I'm sure she's a Democrat!" I was dumbfounded. I replied that "it wasn't political" and she said "yeah, right!" I felt heart heavy all day due to this very ugly and unexpected interaction in my smaller midwestern community.
I know not everyone is this way but still. I feel like there is more of it. It makes me so sad.
But thank you for wearing a mask. Thank you to all who are. I appreciate you all so much.
I see people ALL the time going the with way in the grocery aisle... all the time. I had yet to speak up until last week. It was a horrible exchange but it was very uncomfortable. My cousin had a VERY ugly encounter with a woman recently. She kept looking over her shoulder as she left the store. She was concerned for her safety. This stuff is ridiculous.
Kristin—- very well said. We abide by what the govt enforced as well, without cause for sin, as the Bible instructs.
‘Wrong’ way
I remember when the seatbelt laws took effect. People complained, they didn’t want to be told by the government that they had to wear a seatbelt... they went so far as to disable the seatbelt alarm in their cars., etc so they could avoid wearing them. No one complains about this anymore. It’s just no big deal. Part of driving.
Of all the controversies I thought I would see in my life it is very surprising that mask wearing is one of them. I agree the mixed messages initially around mask wearing confused many of us. Part of the reason we were urged not to mask in the beginning was due to PPE shortages in hospitals and making sure healthcare workers had them. But examples from countries that have successfully battled the virus should be evidence that wearing masks work. Taiwan never closed down and until very recently everyone wore masks anytime they were outside the home. Since the pandemic started theyve only had like 7 deaths. We are over 130,000 deaths and counting. I have known people who died. I have never felt so helpless since this pandemic started, if I can wear a mask and contribute that little bit to the fight I am more than happy to.
Thank you for this!! It’s a small thing we can do to help stop the spread. And I think we all want this to be over sooner than later. I’m in PA and it’s state law to wear them everywhere and for the most part, people are. Sure it’s not the most fun thing, but I agree it’s an easy one to help ourselves and others.
Thank you! We are wearing masks to protect all of us. If nothing else, your last point should be heard by all. If you want me to get to back to school (I'm a teacher) and the economy to open up fully, then wear a mask so we can start to get to our new normal.
My nephew is 3 years old and back at daycare for part of the week. They wear masks for most of the day (not while eating or while playing outside). He does just fine! If a bunch of preschoolers can handle it and understand that they are helping others, the rest of us can too!
Thank you for speaking up on this topic. We wear masks whenever we are in public or cannot social distance. My husband has health issues so we pray that others in our community will do their part to help keep him safe.
I do not understand all the people who say that mandates to wear a mask infringe on their personal rights. There are all kinds of rules of this nature: wearing a seat belt, having to wear shoes to enter a business, not driving drunk, etc. I fail to see why doing some that is for the health and safety of Americans is a hard ask or why it has to be a political issue. I understand that the guidance has been mixed on mask wearing but considering this is a new disease, I can accept that as we research and find out more about how it is spread the guidance can change.
So well said. Thank you :))))
Re point 2:
My response to "THE GOVERNMENT CAN'T MAKE ME WEAR A MASK! I HAVE RIGHTS!!!!1!!" people is similar, but more succinct:
You're wearing pants. Your argument is invalid.
Love it!
Yep. Public non-nudity is mandated by the government.
And to take the example further, you can't just have your pants halfway pulled up. 😉
Erik, I am totally stealing this line. And thank you, Kristen, for a thoughtful post.
Thank you so much! Totally agree!
Thank you Kristen.
Well said.
Oh man. I had to forego the cell phone and whip out the laptop for this comment.
In short, I completely agree with you, Kristen. I live in the Southeast, and we're experiencing both an exponential increase in cases and temperatures in the 90-somethings. We're also under a mandatory mask order for most parts of the state. Is it pleasant to wear a mask? Not particularly. Neither is wearing a seat belt, but I don't hear much grousing about that. Regardless of the experts' initial waffling on masks, come on - it's common sense. They may not stop 100% of particles, but if most people are wearing them (and wearing them properly!), we can significantly reduce the spread of this virus. It's also common courtesy to those we come in contact with.
I'm also a Christian, and I think what has bothered me most is the sort of quiet war going on within my church and probably many others. Masks have been such a divisive issue, with many people (myself included) agreeing with Romans 13 - "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." They're not asking me to sin, so following guidelines set forth by the government is a directive from the Lord. On the other hand, some fellow Christians seem to think that masks indicate a weakness of faith and a lack of trust in the Lord's protection. In that case, I'd go back to the seat belt argument and say that I wear them both for the same reasons: 1) research says they make me safer and 2) those in authority tell me to.
I think my pastor said it best, so I'm stealing some of his words: "...As a church, we desire to lead from a position of humility to a watching world. One of the best ways we can lead in humility and serve our neighbors during this present crisis is in our deference to civil authorities in abiding by publicly endorsed health recommendations." It truly is an act of humility to wear a mask - we hide part of our faces (our identity) for the good of others - and that seems like something Jesus would have me do joyfully.
(here endeth the soapboxing)
Yes, particularly about the watching world. I am very concerned about the message we send to people outside the church when we refuse to abide by a non-sinful rule that our government has given us, particularly when the heart of that rule is care for others (a thing Christians should be passionate about anyway.)
Agree
1Peter states it well...as unto the Lord. As you mentioned wearing a mask is not sinful
Thank you for a calm post on this matter.
I wear a mask. In the county where I work, they are mandated indoors at all businesses, churches, government offices, etc. Since we each have our own office in my employer's building, we can go without them for much of the day, but must wear them in common areas like the lobby. The county where I live just mandated masks last week. I live in Florida, and the situation is rough here. I was already wearing a mask, though, before it was mandated.
I appreciate it when people mask up, because my husband is super high vulnerability and I'd prefer that he not get Covid-19 and die. So I also mask up, to reassure people when I go out that I don't want to risk giving it to anyone else, either.
The seatbelt analogy is a good one. Seatbelts aren't actually for the other drivers' safety -- they are for the wearers' safety. So, shouldn't wearing them be a personal choice? No? Why not? Because the toll on society is greater when we have to mourn more losses, retrieve more ejected bodies, heal more broken bodies. And loved ones want you to survive a car accident, not go through a windshield and be killed. There is a greater good here to wearing seatbelts, just like wearing a mask. I'm old enough to remember many people fussing about the new law to wear seatbelts. I heard all the supposed arguments against them that were not fact-based at all. This feels the same. Yes, the government is telling us what to do. No, I don't blindly follow the government. But yes, like Kristen says, this is not asking me to go against my Christian beliefs -- it is in fact reinforcing the golden rule. So I don't have a problem wearing one, even though it's uncomfortable.
Thank you Kristen for bravely stepping into this topic. The comments here are always so kind, though, that I'm not really worried. I'm fond of all of the nice folks here, even those with whom I disagree, because disagreement doesn't mean one is good and the other evil. Just -- we disagree.
I remember when the seatbelt laws took effect. People complained, they didn’t want to be told by the government that they had to wear a seatbelt... they went so far as to disable the seatbelt alarm in their cars., etc so they could avoid wearing them. No one complains about this anymore. It’s just no big deal. Part of driving.
I think the seatbelt analogy is not quite there: masks help others; seatbelts help the wearer. Perhaps DWI is more like it.
I think the point SandyH was trying to make is that people don't like to be told what to do but after awhile they simply accept it as a part of life.
This is probably why we all wear pants when we go out! Heh. We've all accepted it as part of life.
Except toddlers. They do still resist!
Thank-you so much for this post. I really wish my state (or our whole country) would make masks mandatory. Unfortunately it's merely a "suggestion" here, which makes the minority who do choose to wear masks stand out. I'm a teacher, and I have some conditions that put me at higher risk should I get COVID-19. I'm honestly kind of scared about going back to a classroom where kids aren't required to wear masks. I'll do my job, of course, but it does seem like there's needless risk that could be avoided. So many people are making masks a political issue, when they should just be common sense.
In regards to masks, I have been thinking of the teaching story that has been used in a lot of different faith traditions, about the man who is given a vision of Hell, and it's a banqueting hall where the tables are full of food but the only utensils are three-foot long spoons, and everyone is flinging food around and starving to death because they can't get the food to their mouths. Then the man is shown Heaven, and it's exactly the same except they are feeding each other and everyone is satisfied and happy. Our pastor has been talking about COVID accommodations from the beginning as an opportunity to love our neighbors. If the science is right, then I helped keep you healthy. Even if it's wrong, it made someone who is vulnerable or lives with someone vulnerable feel loved because they know they are being looked out for, and it helps our local businesses because there are plenty of people who can't or won't patronize them if it doesn't feel safe. I would wear a mask even if it weren't required, to witness to Christian love.
Very well said. Thank you for this post.
I was thinking that you opened a can of worms Kristen, but I've been pleased with most of the comments. As a healthcare worker, I say Amen.
There have been a lot of confusing messages with mask use and a lack of coordinated response from the government. I think if you haven't been personally involved with someone who has had covid, it can take on an air of unreality. It became much more real to me when my mom got it. While her symptoms were mild, there were others in her assisted living who were very sick and at least one death that I know of. Lest anyone think it was only elderly people who got it, I know that it was brought to the facility by a younger worker. One of my favorite aides was in the hospital for 2 weeks and said she's never been so sick in her life. She's in her 40s.
My observation of working in an acute care hospital with many covid patients is that masks work. Our facility is transparent about admissions and staff infected. We've had very few staff who have become ill. Most are not in a patient care area and are presumed to be community infections. Yes, masks are uncomfortable. But I don't want to be the one to carry illness to someone else. Therefore I wear mine.
The public schools have long required children to be immunized upon enrollment. For the good of everyone. Thankfully. Some may remember the polio epidemic. I spent 30 years teaching in the public schools and constantly had colds and flus. Getting sick is no fun! This Covid -19 is bad. I totally get it. You don't want to catch this.
Too many people take their good health completely for granted. Until they get sick. What we need to do is pray for good vaccines to be developed and soon. Wear the mask and be thankful you are healthy.
I think it is unfair to assume that people not wearing masks are taking their good health (or anybody's health) for granted. There are so many sides to the issue-- and some of them are not medically related at all. Some of them are political (and not just right vs. left). Some are philosophical. And I think in order to be good citizens we all need to consider each thing from every angle, educate ourselves to the best of our ability in this very biased (in all directions) age, and even consult history before making decisions. And then, when another has a differing point of view, be respectful and not assume that somebody is not loving their neighbor/taking health for granted/doesn't give a rip. This issue is way too complex for that.
When virtually all doctors and health organizations around the world have the same recommendations now, regarding masks, I am not sure what other angles you are looking for.
This is a link to an article from the New England Journal of Medicine which says that outside of a medical setting, wearing a mask offers little protection. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2006372
I am considering the cost of lost freedoms, of a populous controlled by fear. It feels eerily like the beginning of some very bad times in history. When non-legislated mandates become the norm, our freedoms are lost.
What freedoms are you losing? Honest question, not just trying to start a fight. 🙂 Because all of the current data we have, from independent sources across the world, suggests that we have more freedoms to gain by wearing masks. If we can nip this thing in the bud or at least limit its impacts, we'll all have the ability to get out and about and open up the economy fully again. Because covid is surging in the US, we've all lost our freedom to travel, for example. Masks mean way more personal freedom, as far as I see. Also, not being able to walk around naked isn't usually considered limiting one's freedom, is it?
Reply to Emily...closing down businesses, adding restrictions to other commerce, closing schools, restricting travel.... those are freedoms lost. Now, we have a “ coin shortage” that no one can quite explain.....hmmm.. So the loss of ability to utilize legal tender that is not trackable. Without one vote by the people, or even those that claim to represent the people...only single “executive orders”....for any of it. Still think you are not losing freedom?
Respectfully the article you posted from the New England Journal is from April 1. On April 1 we still thought that masks didn't offer any protection but as time has gone on science and physicians have realized that they actually do offer an easy way to slow the spread of the virus. Science has shown that in states with a mask mandate the rate of infections have dropped by 24% yet in states with no mandate infection rates have risen by 84%. In addition two hair stylists tested positive having come into contact with 139 people over a week's time. Everyone was masked, and of those 139 people NO ONE tested positive. That right there is proof that it helps. Even if it was just suspected that it offered a way to reduce the rates of transmission, wouldn't a small piece of cloth be worth it?
That link is one opinion, 9 weeks back, so not very useful now. We can all find articles, studies, anecdotes all day long, and can spin or extrapolate all sorts of different ways.
I’m a nurse. I have several types of medical problems. I care about others. I know who I am, what I believe in, and who I trust, and that is how I approach making decisions. I don’t have the right to harm other people.
Finding knowledgeable, ethical medical (also legal, financial, etc.) professionals, being honest with myself and them, and then taking their advice seems logical so far.
My favorite quote “multiple anecdotes do not equal data”! From Kristen!
To Karen D - thanks for the response. I appreciate having a dialogue. And everything you're saying is EXACTLY my point! The data shows that masks can help curb the spread of the virus. And if we curb the spread of the virus, we have the opportunity to have our freedoms (going where want to without killing/infecting others) restored. Other countries that took the safety measures seriously NOW are able to open back up, rev up their economy, and enjoy their summer without infecting others. That's the point I'm trying to make and what masks provide us with.
Jody S. You are spot on!!!!
Thank you for the reference.
I am also a Christian. I believe God does love us and He hears and answers our prayers. And, yes, not always the way we may expect... I do invite others to fast and pray for our nation and the world that we can recover from this pandemic as soon as possible and for effective vaccines to be developed and available to all.
Thank you!! This is what has been on my heart and in such kind and eloquent words!!
"It just seems like sort of an odd hill to die on."
This just about sums it up for me.
I don't live in a place where it's mandated to wear a mask (yet), but I can see the value in wearing one where you can't physically distance properly. (I live in a smaller city, so most of the places I go aren't very populated.)
I could get upset if I had to wear one while hiking or on a walk or while driving my car. I have seen common sense not so common on either side of this debate.♀️
Yeah, that would be pretty annoying if we had to wear masks while going for walks/hikes. If you can't stay six feet away from people (crowded sidewalk), that's one thing. But when we walk here, we are always six feet away from people, and I appreciate that we don't have to wear a mask for that.
Sometimes I see people wearing masks while driving alone in their cars, and I am always confused by that. I don't like to wear mine more than necessary, and in a car by myself is definitely not necessary!
I was probably one of those crazies wearing a mask in my car the other day, despite 95-degree temps— I had just left Aldi and while I usually rip that sucker off my face ASAP, I needed to run in Kroger right across the street. So I just left it on...and was aware of how funny that looked!
That makes sense to me; if I have big earrings on, I will choose to just leave the mask on in between short stops. Too annoying to get those loops over hoop earrings!
A friend finally explained this to me, at least in her case. If she is running more than one errand, she keeps it on between stops so that she only touches the mask one time once it's contaminated, and doesn't remove it until she's on her way home to wash it and her hands.
I asked this question to someone who happen to be in microbiologist. She explained that some people know that you’re not supposed to handle the mask as it can actually cause more issues so they just put it on once do everything they need to do and then take it off to wash it. It minimizes the handling of it and the resistance to touch anything but the ear loops…
As someone who often runs errands for vulnerable friends, I try to leave mine on til I have made all my stops and dropped their groceries on their porch. So yes, I am sometimes that person who wears a mask alone in her car. 😉
Thanks for posting this, Kristen. It seems an obvious choice to me - not even a choice really - and I appreciate that you are using your voice to speak up on this issue. We all want to get back to normal. If we could all just put others before ourselves, we'd be in a much different place - not just with COVID, but with so very many things in our world.
This was very well put!
Good for you. You hit all the bases. Just as we wear a seat belt or put a child in a car seat, it is a safety issue. People do not smoke in public places due to concern for others. Let us not be selfish on this issue.
Bingo - it is for the good of the many, a safety issue. During a Pandemic, individual rights may have to go out the door for the good of society. So, in this situation, suck it up people.
I am so sorry you received comments like that. They are not mandated in my state (yet), but I have been wearing mine for a while. My priest told us to consider it an act of love to those around us and I really like framing it that way. Also, as a teacher anything that gets me back in my class with my kids this year is worth it!
I think we align 100% on this. Furthermore, I think this level-headed response is the way to win more people over (hopefully). To me, wearing a mask seems like the right middle ground while still taking other precautions like washing your hands and keeping distance when possible.
I don't wear a mask.
It's hard to pronounce that with confidence in an arena where it's clear I'm in the minority.
I have lots of opinions on the topic, but they're not helpful to the conversation — not just this one, but any conversation.
Overall, when it comes to coronavirus, no information agrees with any other information. Everything is tinted by opinion. No news goes uninterpreted before being conveyed. There's not a way for an individual to set expectation to zero, start researching at the beginning, and come to a logical conclusion — not just about masks, but about anything.
That is what makes me most anxious about this in the long run.
I feel so sad that someone reamed you for wearing one, Kristen. I'm so sorry about that.
Thankfully I think you respectfully explained your reasoning and I respectfully accept it. There is too much attacking when someone has a different opinion and is able to state reasoning behind it.
Thanks for your kindness, Jean.
Oh, it's really ok. I was not offended by their comment. My reaction was more like raised eyebrows than really being hurt. I'm all good!
But thank you for your sympathy.
Good! I'm glad.
I do not take rants well, lol — avoid at all costs. Which is why I like being here.
I think this is the most polite non-mask wearing comment I have read/heard since this whole thing started - it would be easier to talk with people who disagreed if every comment was this polite. (Which is largely the case in the comments here)
I'm happy you think so. That's my goal. Respect and kindness is always the better way.
I agree wholeheartedly with you, and I disagree with Kristen, but I appreciate the civil tone of the discussion. I'm concerned that we demand a national response largely when it's convenient for our views or our fears. I'm concerned that not long ago in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, we asked the government to do whatever it took to protect us -- that's a slippery slope, and I don't see the mask mandate (or vaccine mandates or a variety of other issues) as much different. I'm concerned that we believe what the media (left and right) tells us, pretty much without question, and that we put the guys in white lab coats on pedestals without questioning motives or financial backing or even their level of knowledge on a particular topic -- it's irresponsible to fail to educate ourselves fully about critically important topics before we simply buy what people are selling -- that's just lunacy (and it's dangerous). Having said all that, I do agree with a commenter that getting sick IS expensive in the US, so there's that....
As far as I can tell, this is the only place on the internet where civility reigns. It's such a great place to be.
I agree with you, Karen. Sadly, data from quickly created tests (With some quality concerns, as anything manufactured quickly would have) and research done without the benefit of time scaling is always suspect. Scientists need time and in this pandemic they’ve been releasing partial research by “necessity.” They really only have access to data for those who are hospitalized or by choice have joined clinical trials. Any other day at is also questionable. There is no question this is a terrible virus for symptomatic carriers....but we should also share the biggest piece of data on the very high survival rate (at least from what we can tell) thank the Lord for that. On the mask debate, we are a United -States-, and I’m glad the federal government is not going beyond their authority on a national mandate. States have varying demographics and, frankly, decisions are being made by politicians. I’d rather those politicians be as close to my location as possible even if it means that the next state over (in my case a border is a mile from me) has different rules. Personally, I wear a mask only when compelled by a business owner to do so, as that is there prerogative...I am not going to crowded bars or what have you, but I also choose to measure the risk on other activities based on the data I have access to and act accordingly (in my line of work I get more, earlier, which is nice as it doesn’t have any media interpretation). Everyone should do the same, as each of us has, fr now, liberty to review and assess the data and rely on those they trust for information.
April,
Thank you for your comments. Despite my objection to the govt. telling us we MUST wear a mask... I have worn one for a year now out of consideration for those around us that may be compromised. That being said, most of the vulnerable are now vaccinated and the government needs to allow us to make our own choices.
I so agree! We have been wearing them here in Germany for over 6 weeks.
I couldn’t agree with you more and I think you handled this topic with grace (as usual). I am in one of the states that is seeing our numbers increase a lot (Idaho) and I personally know people who have gotten Covid- fortunately all are doing well or have recovered. I also have several friends who are in healthcare and I trust them when they tell me how much worse this virus is then say the flu. I don’t love wearing my mask- yesterday I grocery shopped for my elderly mom and it was 96+ degrees outside- my mask was not comfortable but it’s necessary and the right thing to do.
I think it is worth noting that one of my friends who currently has Covid is a respiratory therapist at a local hospital- he is doing well thankfully but prior too contracting it, he was telling people to wear masks and social distance because he said this virus is no joke...when a respiratory therapist says you don’t want to get this...I believe him.
You always manage to say thing so perfectly!
During the last few months I have binge watched some programming on Animal Planet , The Zoo is the day to day behind the scenes of mostly the 3 NY Zoo's . These shows were filmed a while ago long before we had a pandemic & Here's my observation. The zoo keepers, trainers and employees never wear masks around the animals EXCEPT all PRIMATES - so there has to be something to this transmission thing , person to person or primates (which we are) - Right?? I wear a mask to keep myself safe but mostly to show respect for others and hopefully keep them safe too
I tend not to comment, but I want to thank you and applaud you for the respectful, kind tone you use in every blog post.
In a world where so many take an us/them stance, an either/or line in the sand... the more we can look through a lens of both/and, the more humanity we can show one another.
⭐️
Thank you for this. Calmly well-stated, like you do with so many potentially sensitive topics.
Thank you for being a calm, educated voice on this issue and being "brave" enough to post this.
Inappropriate subject. Your blog is about spending less not anything political. Stay on topic.
Disagree. Getting sick is very expensive. Keeping everyone around you well is frugal.
I think that Kristen can post about whatever topic she wants, since it's her blog. If you would prefer not to read a particular post for whatever reason, that is certainly your decision. Personally, I appreciate that she takes the time to post so thoughtfully and frequently on a variety of topics (frugality, limiting waste, gratitude, and yes - even fashion!). Also, staying healthy and helping others stay healthy is frugal, in my opinion.
That’s the problem. Mask wearing is not a political topic. It’s a health one and some people are trying to politicize it. And every single person has the freedom to discuss politely the way they feel. As a pretty staunch conservative, I am happy to wear a mask so my 7 month old child has a very low chance of ever getting this virus. It’s also the reason why no one but my husband or I have been around my child since she was 2.5 months old. I’m a teacher and my husband works in IT and we were both able to WFH.
I probably wouldn't have posted about it had readers not begun to send me comments and messages about it. Previously, I'd only mentioned masks from a frugal angle (for instance, I posted that I sewed one for myself). And that's when I started to get questions/comments/messages about mask-wearing.
Many times, the off-topic posts on my blog come about because of reader questions. I try to stay loosely on the topic of frugality, but I'm also open to going in another direction sometimes if readers or a situation calls for it.
And given that there are 85 comments on this post already, I do think this seems like a topic that people wanted to read about and talk about. 🙂
Mask wearing is not political. It's science and charity to our fellow human.
Your comment is very rude and not even a respectful addition to the conversation. Kristen sets the tone of kindness here, and this is the foundation of what she wrote. This blog is her space, and when we show up in her space, we should respect and follow that tone.
IMO it's political because certain "leaders" have made it political. Try thinking for yourself and have some common sense. We're going to be living this nightmare until there's a vaccine because there's no national mask mandate.
My hubbie got the H1N1 vaccine, as did I, this past fall. And yet he came down with that flu in Feb. in spite of the vaccine. Getting a vaccine for covid that actually works in everyone is not guaranteed. I begrudgingly wear my mask, but I hate it. Foggy glasses, getting mask caught on them, flicking sun glasses and readers into space when removing mask, but I will wear them indoors around people. But not when out in the sunshine and not around anyone. Saw a picture of a person alone in a car wearing one while driving. Really??? Thanks for a very thoughtful and helpful blog today, Kristin. Andthe comments are good, too,
I often wear my mask in the car alone when I'm on my way to grab something from a drive through. It's easier to put it on and adjust it correctly in my driveway before I begin driving than once I get to the drive through lane. This is particularly true when I'm grabbing a coffee that is right up the road from my house. Our local drive throughs all ask that you wear masks.. Sometimes if I'm running a couple of errands close by (I try to do them all at once these days for fewer trips out) it's easier to just leave it on as the one I prefer ties.
Kristen's blog...her prerogative to write about whichever topic she likes.
Agreed. And this is neither a political nor a religious issue, albeit some have made it so.
Kristen always speaks from kindness and I welcome her thoughts on all subjects.
This was the kind of thing we need to hear from someone exactly like Kristen.
I wish it were not such a contentious issue on top of all of the other issues today. I don't like wearing a mask but I will if I want to go into a business that requests the wearing of masks. I don't go shopping or just stop in a store these days. I don't go to restaurants. I do my grocery shopping and wear a mask. I go into a food place and pick up take out. I have only been in one large group (just this past weekend) and it was requested we wear masks--I did. As an older person I have a concern about going out at night (which I have not done since March), because if something happens how will I describe the other person? (I live in a growing town but don't put my head in the sand and think I live in River City.)
That being said, I had a nice dinner of homemade salmon last night with fresh vegetables from the farm. And it looks like we will be having produce from our gardens.
I read two books in the last two weeks Eliza Lucas Pinckney and The Winthrop Woman--both about strong women during colonial times. Now I am onto Shelby Steele and Thomas Sowell.
Bravo! Well said!
Thank you! This is everything I have been thinking since the whole thing started said in one place and very elegantly.
There is no reason that this topic should be political. It is about safety. People wear seat belts (and condoms), use car/booster seats for their children, and on and on.
If we care about the economy and others this allows us to be out more, as Kristen said. I believe some experts said that mask wearing could boost GDP 5%. I hate for so many people to be unemployed and suffering financially. let's wear masks.
This also passes my low risk, potential high reward test. It asks little of you but has the potential to add big gains to your life and the lives of others.
Every day more national chains are requiring mask wearing in their establishments (Target, Starbucks, CVS,...). Since they are bottom line focused I have to believe that this is good for the economy. I don't believe that consuming is the end all be all of life but if we don't go back to some semblance of what we had before there will be economic catastrophy.
Thank you Kristen for speaking out and presenting your well reasoned view.
I agree about the economy. Widespread mask wearing means that more things can open up safely, and that's good for everyone.
If I can help a business, small or large, stay open by wearing a mask, then that is a very loving thing to do.
I am doing my best to stay 6 ft away from people and I always have a clean mask near my purse for when I go out. I have 4 fabric masks that are cleaned often.
And I do it so I don’t get sick and if I am sick unbeknownst to me, then I will not make someone else sick.
I applaud the stores with security by the entrances so that they will not admit un-masked people. It is the store’s right, just as it is the right of the person not to wear a mask.
I do, however, believe since this is a pandemic, that the federal government should require it everywhere. Maybe then we wouldn’t be in the place we are now with so many people disagreeing with each other which is very, very sad.
A federal mandate definitely would simplify things. We have such varying rules everywhere, it gets a little confusing.
At the same time, it does seem like crowded NYC might need different rules than rural Montana.
Regardless, I personally live in a heavily populated area where there is a clear mandate, and my particular county has even stricter mandates, so there is seriously no question about what I should do in public regarding a face covering.
My county has a mandate, but it’s a high tourist area and the tourists just want to have fun. But there are other residents who like to hang outside at bars. And since they are drinking and smoking there are no masks. So it’s very hard to get it all together. 🙁
This is such a well-written post and I appreciate you sharing! My only child will be starting his senior year in less than one month. We know that every single aspect of his most special high school year (academics, soccer, social aspects) will be negatively affected by the continued spread of COVID. If wearing a mask means his year could possibly be a little more normal and the known and unknown risks to his health is decreased (as well as to his classmates, teachers and school staff, as well as everyone's families) then I will gladly and proudly wear my mask. If I can help prevent the spread of a disease that is ravaging our country (physically, mentally, economically) then why would I or anyone else say no to that or argue against it (or make it political GEEZ!!!)? Kristen, your first point above is so very true, but for non-Christ followers, the other points so very well explained! Take care, everyone!
Well said -- yes the messages are often loud, confusing and contradictory . . . but docs and nurses have worn them for years -- so have dental hygienists . . . I just got back from a checkup and doc cautioned me WEAR THE MASK! (wash hands and social distance, too) People who are refusing are making this much harder on us all. His words.
Matt Walsh's twitter post and comments on this yesterday might help you understand the points you're missing.
Long- time reader here. I like your blog
AFA as science, my son's oxygen saturation dropped to 88 after just a few minutes in the mask. (At doctor) When he was a preemie, we were told 88 was not a good number and he needed oxygen support then. He can get that now by being mask-free.
I just saw our dentist. She said she feels extremely ill when she's in one for most of a day. She removes hers as much as possible.
The grocery store workers are always moving them to catch a real breath.
Store requirements are different than government mandates. Public heath officials have far too much power. There's no emergency in my state, but they've declared one. The law here says they can also force vaccinate when we're under an emergency.
Hi April those are interesting experiences but perhaps are not representative of the norm. In Asian countries where mask wearing is petty much universal, children wear them without ill effects. My family is from Taiwan, and my cousins children (kindergarten) wear masks the entire time they are at school (with no air conditioning) and everyone is fine. I am sorry your son may not be able to wear one; my sons were in nicu for nearly two weeks after their premature birth and I remember how harrowing that was. I am glad there is an easy way I can protect them now.
I can see how these precautions seem unnecessary when there are no cases where you live. Perhaps they are. But from what we have seen in many places, the virus spreads silently at first before symptoms start and cases are detected. Anyway, I really respect you for posting your dissenting opinion, I think its brave too.
Very well put! Thank you.
Agreed on all especially 2,3 and 7. Thank you for posting , I always enjoy your words of encouragement and wisdom
States where people have been wearing masks and social distancing have far fewer cases and deaths. (I live in one) That's enough reason for me to follow the guidelines. I am part of a community and my individual wants are second to my care for my community.
Thank you for your thoughtful thoughts 🙂 Even though I struggle with accepting the mask wearing mandates, I obey. I feel like the little kid who was made to sit down even though he didn’t want to. He said he may be sitting down on the outside, but he’s standing up on the inside! I wear it in protest LOL
I definitely don't enjoy wearing a mask! I take it off as soon as safely possible. I don't even like wearing shoes, and taking my mask off feels as good as taking off my socks and shoes.
And sometimes if I spend too much time thinking about pre-pandemic life, when we all got to go places and give hugs and not wear masks, I feel pretty sad.
So, I sympathize; all of this is really un-fun.
Your “off-topic” blog entries are always as interesting and useful as your frugality entries. Keep on writing about what is on your heart!
I LOVE how you addressed this, especially your “That is, uh, not quite how I see it.” I feel similarly to you. It’s a pain sometimes, but for the greater good, and I don’t understand why people are making such a big deal of it, to the point of violence sometimes.
You have such a good way of handling difficult topics diplomatically. I love how you word things.
Well stated. We are made to wear a seatbelt as well and a motorcycle helmet... many argued those points as well. The longer we have anti- mask folks the longer we will watch friends, colleagues and family get sick and possibly die from Covid.
I am 100% with you!!! It’s a small sacrifice to make ... think if your child were going through cancer treatment or otherwise immune compromised. You may reconsider anti-mask people. It IS actually giving us freedom!!!
Some won’t get it until it hits close to home... I personally know now 6 plus people and their children who have tested positive for Covid... it’s serious. One of which was a “it’s a conspiracy guy”. Also hmmm
It is in fact government mandated so hmmm wonder why Maryland has declining in numbers and SC, Georgia and Florida are going up. Just my two cents!!!
Thank you for this post. I had Covid for over 6 weeks and it is brutal. I was a healthy, active mid-50's woman (exercised daily with no underlying illnesses). It started with a mild cough and just escalated from there, pneumonia, aches, horrible headaches, brain fog, crazy dreams, fever, chills, anxiety, lack of smell & taste, etc. I honestly thought I might die. Oh and the guilt, you are plagued with the constant worry of "what if I infect my family and make them suffer or even kill them?" even while isolating myself. Trust me, you do not want to go through that.
We checked our wills, I made sure all my spouse knew where all our financial info was in case I didn't make it.
Now, it's over 4 months later, my lungs ache every single day and I tire easily. I still have brain fog and have difficulty concentrating sometimes, I guess I'm considered a "long hauler".
Please, please, please, do not put yourself, or your loved ones through this. If wearing a mask can save just 1 person from living through this agony, then wear a mask. It is so much easier than living through having Covid.
I am so sorry that you had Covid, and I hope that you will feel better soon.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I know other long healers who have continued to have issues months after infection. I'm so sorry you've had to deal with this.
Kathy, I'm so sorry to hear about your experience. As an occupational therapist, I am all too familiar with stories like yours. I wonder if people think in an either/or scenario--either I'm 100% healthy or I'm dead (I've heard many Christians say "I know where I'm going so I'm not worried"). I think you captured very well the true picture--that there's a lot of ground between healthy and death. Feeling miserable, not being able to work, and being worried about infecting others is the reality for so many. I appreciate your honesty and pray for continued healing.
good grief, its such an issue, personally I would rather wear a mask than a bra!! however, I DO wear both out in public to spare everyone's eyes!! Shout out of thanks to all the healthcare providers that wear masks, imagine the complaining if they didn't!
lol at the bra comment.
Shoes too; I kind of hate wearing shoes.
In fact, removing all three of those at home provides a similar sense of relief!
Or even on the way home!! Just hope I don't get pulled over
I'd like to point out that the decision to mandate something is always political. Whether or not it's a prudent choice that will minimize harm and show care to others, a legally enforceable mandate is a separate matter that has its own costs and benefits. (As recent events have shown, increasing interactions with the police can lead to negative side effects).
I wear a mask inside public places and when I can't be six feet from others outside my quaranteam. What causes me to chafe against it (figuratively) is when scolds carp about people not wearing them outside every second of the day :(. As though masks were magic instead of useful for a specific purpose. Also when people write about them as though there were no cost to children, who need the social cues that come from faces even more than the rest of us. I am thankful that my older children are compliant with them. I definitely won't be masking my youngest until it's mandated, since available data show she's very unlikely to spread it.
I don't know why you'd need to wear a mask outside if you are not near other people; that one confounds me. Sometimes I see people running on our basically empty neighborhood streets with a mask, and I am surprised. It doesn't bother me per se; if they want to do that, it's fine! But I definitely don't think it's practically necessary, and mercifully, it is not mandated.
We definitely get a lot of side-eye at the open space preserves we visit, mostly from people wearing masks and hiking solo. People can wear masks as often as they want, but I'm mystified by the desire to do so in wide open spaces full of fresh air and UV rays.
Yeah, the information I've read has not led me to believe that masks are necessary in situations like that. And I'm grateful for that because masking outdoors in the summer would be really not fun, especially while exercising.
Hi! We keep masks around our necks while hiking on trails. That way we can pull them up to cover our noses and mouths. It’s often hard to keep 6 feet apart on the narrow trails, and my husband and I want to be considerate of others. 🙂
That's very smart; some trails are so narrow that you can't stay far apart.
Thank you for addressing the mask issue so kindly and rationally. I am sooooo tired of the mask debate. I am a Christian too and my local government has also mandated masks in stores - so I wear one in stores. It makes me sad how our responses to the virus have driven wedges between friends and family. My family is all over the scale on how they respond. I won't argue with them about someone being "too lax" or "too strict" - everyone gets to choose their own comfort level and act accordingly. A mantra I am borrowing from Crystal Paine is "Lead with grace. Believe the best. Give the benefit of the doubt." I have to repeat it to myself many times a day.
I agree with you. We are wearing masks. We don't like it at all, in fact, we hate it, but we do it for all the reasons you noted above. It's not a hardship But, I also think it's important to mention that everyone who is not wearing a mask is NOT selfish and unloving. Everyone who is not wearing a mask is NOT trying to infect you or trample on your rights. Everyone who is NOT wearing a mask isn't "unchristlike"or "breaking the law"or "not being a good example to their children". Maybe it is "loving"to wear a mask. Maybe it's also "loving" to show grace to those who aren't wearing one or can't wear one, instead of assuming the worst. There are people who have legitimate medical exemptions and reasons for NOT wearing them. The controversy and the accusations and assumptions that have been made--on both sides of this debate-about this are so disheartening. Thanks for sharing your heart, as always!
Kristen said "(I know some people do have health issues that prevent them from wearing masks. Which is all the more reason for people with no health issues, like me, to wear a mask.)" I think she addressed this very well.
I am sorry but I cannot simply say: OK, agree to disagree, when it comes to wearing masks.
Are people who don't wear masks by choice loving people? I don't know and I don't care. That is NOT the issue. The choice is the issue.
And the idea that for medical reasons you do NOT wear a mask? Where does that come from? There are so many different types of masks that one can be found to accommodate whatever these "reasons" are. I have friends with asthma, with respiratory issues that are serious. ALL of their doctors are like: Find a good mask. Wear it. You are at greater risk.
So, yes, maybe we don't vilify someone who doesn't wear a mask. But no, it's NOT OK and it is NOT a choice I can support. No.
It is not "bygones" when someone chooses not to wear a mask. Motivation is irrelevant.
I agree and have been wearing a mask since required in my state/county. I rarely see anyone in public without a mask. Even though we have been wearing them here for more than three weeks, the number of COVID cases continues to rise. This makes me question the statement by the CDC Director that if everyone wore a mask for the next 4-6 weeks, we could get the pandemic under control. It won’t make things worse, so I will continue to wear my mask, and stay home as much as possible but am not convinced it makes as much difference as we’ve been told it does.
You have to be cautious believing that your experience shows everything. (When I was publishing books, I called this the "focus group of one" when someone would say things like, "I don't think people want to see asparagus on this cover." 🙂 ) I see about everyone properly masked in grocery stores here in Indianapolis, as it is now a mandate, but bars and indoor restaurants are still open, which I don't frequent, and I'm guessing the bars get a little sloppy as the night wears on.
Bars are actually a hot spot for virus spreading, for several reasons: They're more likely to be crowded, so social distancing is difficult. They tend to be loud, so people talk louder to be heard--and talking louder, shouting, singing, etc. spreads "droplets" (ew) faster and farther than speaking at normal levels. Also, as you've pointed out, people get sloppy as they drink and are less likely to be careful about social distancing in general.
Another reason to love you and I love every line of your post! I work in a Radiation Oncology office...if a patient of ours gets Covid on top of the reason they have to come to our office, most likely they won't survive. To me, wearing a mask and not just at work is a simple thing to do to keep them as well as those I love safe.
Very well stated! Thank you for this thoughtful post and for providing a respectful forum for discussion. I agree with you, but I value the chance to understand the objections a bit better from those who are sincerely not convinced. The early equivocation from the US government and the WHO has probably contributed to the suspicions about masks, but I hope we can accept that these institutions have learned from the evidence when changing their positions, which is exactly what I hope they would do. I also wonder if those who object so strongly have been personally touched by Covid-19. With a recovering medical provider in the family, a healthy colleague dead from the virus, many serious cases among work colleagues, and a friend's father who went from healthy to dead in five days, I want to do anything I can to protect not only myself but others who are more vulnerable from this virus.
Perhaps they are like me who have a hospital pharmacist relative who is now unemployed because there weren't any cases here. I also have a neighbor who is an adult in patient RN. No cases at her hospital either. One of my besties' husband is a hospital admin. ICU capacity did not indicate lockdowns were necessary. Perhaps we know more people who have committed suicide because of the lockdowns than people who had a positive swab.
You are very lucky. I live in NYC, the first Coronavirus hotspot.
We did not have the luxury of no cases.
But know this, sooner or later, the virus will continue to spread.
The cities and states now experiencing incredible increases never thought it would hit them as it hit us.
Here, we knew it was only a matter of time that it spread. We do not wish anyone to have to be exposed or to catch the virus.
Outcomes are not guaranteed and as we have seen, tragically, children, young adults who are healthy and even athletic, otherwise healthy adults have died. And will die. We do not know enough about this virus and how it shows up (and, it now seems for many, lingers) nor how to prevent it.
Wearing a mask is no hardship.
Seriously, this country doesn't know real hardship and sacrifice. Talk to anyone who survived the war in europe or the U.S. or read their stories. THEN let's see how wearing a mask feels in comparison.
Thanks for your perspective April. I am very sorry to hear that you know many people who committed suicide and lost jobs during the pandemic. There are real human costs to lockdowns and to avoiding hospitals or health care settings when other health issues need attention. With respect, I don't see how wearing masks has caused any of these negative consequences. I think of masks as one of the tools that allow us to avoid or mitigate the extreme effects of these negative results of the pandemic. We can take care of our other non-Covid 19 health care needs and avoid extreme lockdowns to "flatten the curve" or address new waves of cases by wearing masks, in addition to social distancing, hand washing and using sanitizer, and other sensible precautions. I hated our relatively mild lockdown in a city with no restrictions on going outside in groups of less than 5, almost no obvious monitoring or enforcement, no restrictions on when and where I could shop, and a relatively quick reopening. I was happy to come back to work and volunteered for our first wave of returning to the office, but I only feel able to do that because masks are mandatory on public transportation. There is so much still to learn, but from what we have learned thus far, masks now seem clearly on the side of useful tools to avoid or lower transmission of Covid 19.
I’m so glad you brought up how wearing a mask is very consistent with your Christian faith. It is also very consistent with the Jewish faith; there is a concept in Judaism called Pikuach Nefesh (Hebrew) that means that saving a life is of the highest value (that’s why if an Orthodox Jewish surgeon is the only nearby doctor who can perform a specific lifesaving operation he/she is required to break the rules of the Sabbath, which prohibit work, car travel, etc. )
As a Jewish person, for me to refuse to wear a mask because it’s hot, inconvenient, unpleasant, etc. would be a sin because it may be destroying a life of another person. Obviously, some Jewish people can’t wear masks, but they would have to have a very clear cut medical reason.
“the new hijab”? Really? If someone chooses to wear a mask because of his/her Christian faith, A Muslim woman can choose to wear a hijab because of her Islamic faith.
Thank you for writing this post.
Thank you for addressing this head-on, and thank you for wearing a mask. As a very unimportant aside, may I say how refreshing your blog is to this non- Christian? In general, I unsubscribe as soon as someone mentions their religion, because through experience, I have learned that unpleasantness often follows such an announcement. You do a lovely job of being a positive force in the world, and I appreciate it.
I find this to be very encouraging; thank you.
I agree! Your faith seems sincere and not performative/ didactic, and I really appreciate that.
I couldn’t agree more with all of your points. I especially like the part where you say it’s an odd hill to die on. I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately. To be honest, I’m not 100% convinced the cotton masks make a huge difference but even if it can help people a little, I am on board. I’d rather be a little uncomfortable and wrong than making the issue worse.
Yes; to me, it seems that the worst possible scenario is that wearing a cotton mask will do nothing.
Weighed against the opposite risk (a cotton mask really does help, I don't wear one, and I get someone sick), it seems like mask-wearing is the least risky choice.
These have been some of my thoughts exactly. Thanks so much for putting them into words!
Amen. Amen. Amen. Well said. This is public health issue not a political one. Just as I obey the other public health laws such as not going to the bathroom on the side walk ( since it potentially could spread disease), I will obey this as well for the public good. We are called to care for others. This is a way to care for others that causes me no harm.
Pooping on the sidewalk is perfectly legal where I live.
This is not a thing I expected to google today. Ha.
Google “Colorado Springs Mad Pooper.”
I must admit to reading this with no experience wearing a mask. But that is 100% because I live in one of the last-populated counties in the country, and I don't leave. I have not left my county since March. It's hot here, with incredible UV levels, and a lot of wind. Basically, an area where no virus on Earth stands a chance outside. The only places I have gone where other people might be are outside, and nowhere here is ever crowded. So I don't need a mask. Also, we've had exactly one case in our county.
My husband, who is our Outside World representative, does wear a mask when he goes to stores and so on, but that's a courtesy for the workers and other people. If it makes them feel safer, than why not? There's enough anxiety to go around these days without making it worse for other people.
We're starting school soon (theoretically--frankly, I'll believe in-person classes when I'm in them) and as a staff member, I'm sure I'll be required to wear a mask. So I will. Not for me, but for everyone else.
Just want to echo with many of your other readers that I agree with the views in your post - thanks for writing it. It's not a religious or a political issue for me. It's a human/civility/health issue for me. The government is not explicitly asking me to help stop this spread - I'm doing it because it's the right thing to do. If that means staying home, washing my hands, keeping distance from others and wearing a mask, I'm all in. If me pulling up my mask when I'm out for a walk saves a neighbor some stress, I'll do it - not because I love wearing a mask - but because we're a civilization and sometimes these little asks are worth it for the greater good. Selfishly, my fear is that my parents will be exposed and they will be turned away so that the hospital bed can go to a younger person with a greater survival likelihood, despite the choices the younger person may have made. All this to say...I have no reservations about making adjustments to my life if it helps society. And even if I'm 100% sure that the mask will block 100% of the particulate virus, it's worth it.
Kristen,
Well stated mask essay.
I am a civilian employee of the military. Masks are mandatory to protect the civilian team and the warfighter. If the men and women of the military wear masks to protect each other, as they also willingly would lay down their lives to protect our freedom to argue over mask usage, out of respect for their sacrifice we should wear masks to protect them.
My husband is active duty and does not wear a mask. His commander does not either. There have not been cases where he works. But every year, his entire office is out with swab-verified flu despite 100% flu shot compliance.
Evidence from 2015 studies shows they are ineffective and dangerous. (Pregnant nurses study)
Oh okay, pregnant nurses study. That's...a very wide study I'm sure.
You are aware, however, that the effectiveness of the flu vaccine varies year to year because they are guessing each year which strain will be prominent. Yes?
April,
Thank you for your comments. Despite my objection to the govt. telling us we MUST wear a mask... I have worn one for a year now out of consideration for those around us that may be compromised. That being said, most of the vulnerable are now vaccinated and the government needs to allow us to make our own choices.
Clearly this post struck a nerve. I'm very saddened that our country is so divided over something which seems trivial to me. I thought it was only the U.S. where masks were stirring such a controversy, but apparently it's the whole world. I'll chalk it up to the tremendous stress we're all under due to the pandemic, but it's still just sad.
Yes! To everything you said. We live in Idaho and we love it here so much. We are now considered a hot spot after not making masks mandatory and now that certain counties are mandating them there are people fighting it saying its against their civil liberties. They are not mandatory in my county and when i go into Winco wearing one i feel like i am stared at. My hub has had 3 heart attacks and is in a high risk group so i am going to keep wearing one regardless! Stay safe everyone.
I understand and agree with you 100%. No contention here! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Very well said. My husband came down with Covid disease last week, which I at first felt was cosmically unfair because we have been wearing masks and following social distancing and hand sanitizing guidelines since March. But last night, when I was trying to fall asleep on our rather hard living room sofa, it occured to me that perhaps his case is light, which it is, because of what he was doing, and thus I did not get it.
We made the decision as a family to wear homemade cloth masks months before masks were mandated in our state because of reports I read out of Europe which indicated that doing so could help decrease transmission and save lives. It wasn't much trouble for us to learn to do it correctly. For us, it was the right thing to do.
Oh, I am so sorry to hear this! I hope that he recovers quickly.
Thank you. He is having a really good day today, so I hope that holds. It is a light case, and things could have been much worse.
The government makes us wear shirts and shoes when we go into businesses. I'm curious to know what the anti-maskers think about that requirement.
What differentiates a mask requirement from a shirt or shoe requirement?
Do they agitate to go barefoot and barechested into stores?
Do they yell, attack, or protest for their right to go barefoot or barechested?
I appreciate you being so honest in approaching this subject.
One thing that strikes me about the many reasons mentioned by you and others is what I consider to be the first and foremost concern: Public health.
Perhaps because I know so many in the healthcare and medical field, to me this has always been and will remain, an issue of public health safety.
Why this is not the number one priority in understanding the need by others escapes me.
Perhaps we as a nation have never really faced such a challenge. Whatever the reason, this to me is beyond religion, politics and even personal opinion.
As a citizen, I accept that I live in a democracy, by choice. In doing this, I take on certain responsibilities to my fellow citizens. First and foremost is health and safety.
Any religion, any politics that places human life below a belief system...well, I cannot accept or abide by that.
We are citizens. If you live here, if you choose to stay, we must think of the welfare of others. It is NOT all about us and our desires, etc.
Even if you do not believe masks protect (and I'm going to bypass the fact that you are not listening to science at this juncture), wear them ANYWAY.
Wearing a mask is not a loss of personal freedom. If anything, you are declaring your role as a citizen (and by citizen I am not talking about born here, naturalized, whatever. I mean you LIVE and breathe here in this country. ) and your commitment to it.
I have no patience or tolerance for anyone who places their own "freedom" above the health and well-being of others with whom they share the planet. I do not understand how this can be.
Real freedom is choosing to do what is "right" for the well-being of others, our world, our planet.
If you need someone else ( a religious leader, a politician, a celebrity) to tell you that wearing a mask is essential now, you should, respectfully, ask yourself why you would NOT choose to protect yourselves and others by doing so. There are no excuses
You expressed the basis for your actions very reasonably. I did not detect any political slant to the post at all. I happen to agree with your position on this issue but even if I didn’t, I wouldn’t have found it to be expressed in an offensive way.
I hope you continue to freely share your thoughts.
I couldn't agree more. We've been told that three things can really make a difference with this virus: washing hands frequently, maintaining social distancing when out in public, and wearing a face mask that covers the nose and mouth. It's really not that difficult. It's been mandated in my state since March. I think it's regrettable that some have positioned this as a matter of personal choice. Sorry, but it's not. It's a safety requirement that everyone should follow. Yes, you can choose not to wear a mask, but, then, you also choose to not go out in public places where you might come into contact with others. Sometimes we need to do things that are not just for ourselves.
I never comment on your blog. But you are spot on here. All the recent data points to masks being THE way to cut down on the virus spreading. People are contagious before they have symptoms. It's a no brainer. It's...wait for it...SCIENCE.
I wore masks in a semiconductor fab for 6-10 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 20 years. It's a non-issue for me.
But go ahead to everyone who doesn't want to wear masks. Homeschool your kids in the fall (schools are gonna be closed if we don't cut the spread), and I hope you don't want a haircut or a meal out or a beer anytime soon.
Thank you Kristen and all the rest who commented. I agree with most of the comments. I can only add my Mom will be 95 years young in October and I want her around for several more years. I only know that I hope that I would never be a carrier of this virus to anyone. I care about my family and my community. It is not that much of an inconvenience if it saves one person from contracting it. Kindness and compassion matter.
This is really lovely, rational thinking. I am 100% in agreement.
Thank you for posting, Kristin! I appreciate your explanations and completely agree!
"...then I’ll be over here masking up cheerfully."
I love this so, so much!
I admire you that you wrote this post and see no reason why you needed to explain why you choose to wear a mask. I always worry about some of the bloggers who post getting backlash from followers. I cherish your posts too much for you to stop!
Aww, thank you. I will be ok; when I was a newer blogger, angry emails and comments would really get me down and discouraged.
But this many years into it, I have developed a very, very slightly thicker skin, and an angry, "I'm unsubscribing!" email doesn't ruin my day anymore.
As Kacey Musgraves says, you can't be everybody's cup of tea.
Mask making had given me something productive to do during lock down. I've made them for people in my Buy-Nothing Group, Family and friends, rehab facility, a local bakery bought 2 dz. from me for their employees. I hand them out whenever I see someone in need., my favorite was the elderly lady I saw with a n Ace Bandage tied across her face. They can be a great conversation starter.
That's wonderful.
Ok, just a thought here. And I am not in any way trying to be a jerk. However....if a government can mandate something/anything for the "health and good" of a people, where does it stop? We know that eating a healthy diet reduces disease. We know that monogamous relationships reduce (or perhaps eliminate) STD's. We know breastfeeding reduces infant mortality. Should the government be allowed to mandate those things? Even though they would save thousands (perhaps millions) of lives. And unfortunately we have taken away personal choice. I DO believe you should have the choice to wear a mask if you so choose. However, I also believe I also have the right not to. Should stores and local governments force me to? I don't believe so. I think our founding fathers would have been appalled at that and the mandatory shutdowns ect...Yes, you have the right to do that with your business if you so choose. I also have the right to not shop there. But it should be up to personal conviction/opinion. Just by saying the government has assumed other responsibilities and freedoms it has no basis for is not a legitimate reason to give them more. Yes, you should obey laws whenever possible. For example, I do not speed because it puts myself and others at risk. However, there is excellent science to back this up. And unfortunately there is not excellent science to back up the mask wearing policies. I am respectfully disagreeing with you, but totally support your decision to mask 🙂
The difference between a mask and something like the government trying to force healthy foods or monogamy on people is that what you eat or who you have sex with will not kill me or my grandmother. As for what the founding fathers would have done---they had an extremely controlling society, forcing people to go to church in some communities, for example. They were not some free-for-all, follow your bliss bunch. If you read history, you will note that when communities were hit with illness, they most certainly did enforce quarantines. The "slippery slope" if they can do this now when does it stop logic can be applied to every single thing, meaning it is a basically useless argument.
The problem with this logic, is most of those other examples you gave affect yourself. Not wearing a mask affects everyone else, including our most vulnerable. I think it's incredibly sad that anyone would even hesitate to wear one (barring medical issues themselves) if it can help protect our parents, our children, our sick, even partially. I just can't wrap my head around it. And I grew up as a military brat. I've lived around the world. I've visited many countries, including those that had none of the freedoms we have in the U.S. I've been in countries where I was fearful at times of their government. I totally get that our freedoms are precious. But I have a 73 year old mother who has not left her home since March and an infant grandson born during this pandemic. How do you not do all that you can to protect those who need protection, even if it only offers partial protection - even if it's not a guarantee. How do you not just try? We know handmade masks (and probably even surgical and N95's) are not 100% effective, but our best scientists around the world are telling us they think it does offer some protection to those around us. I can't imagine not taking this one simple step.
Yes, yes, yes!!! Thank you for posting this. I would have been afraid to after reading all the pro-mask comments, and would not have said it so eloquently. I keep hearing how things won't get back to normal until there's a vaccine. I have no intention of getting a vaccine that has been rushed to market (ok, I have no intention of getting it even years from now), but I can totally see that being the next mask - forced on the masses. And it's really about compliance, not health. If we're going to regulate things for "health", then we need to take all the junk food, cigarettes, alcohol, soda, etc off the market immediately, but that will never happen. But like you, I totally support other's decision to wear a mask.
I am one of those people who is thankful for everyone who is considerate of their fellow humans. I have COPD (lung disease) and diabetes and I have not left my home since 2/9/2020.
My children shop for me, they wear masks for me, they scrub their hands for me and practice good techniques when putting away the groceries after wiping them down carefully. They don't want me to get Covid 19. I have been in the ICU for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome before and it's no fun to be me and gasping for air. They (children) told me that they don't want to see that happen to me again.
You don't have to wear a mask, that is your choice, BUT it is the choice of the store to protect their employees and clientele from people who make cavalier choices. You can order you items by internet and have them delivered win - win. Nobody will insist on you wearing a mask and you can get whatever you want brought to your doorstep.
This disease is not a respecter of who you are or what reason you think you are being forced to wear a mask, you could have it and be asymptomatic but spreading it to others unknowingly.
I don’t agree that you aren’t wearing a mask but you do raise a good point. It is relevant to ask “where it stops”, and there is no one answer. You/I have a relatively free choice to live in a democracy. The democracy decides what is best for society. I don’t like people choosing mask wearing as their political hill to die on because, to put it crudely, they aren’t going to be the ones dying. Same as vaccination. The Founding Fathers actively used infections to destroy and enslave the indigenous populations. Those who left the UK for the new world did so not solely for religious freedom, but to enable them to enforce their choice of religion on their society.
I empathise with you because our governments have generally not been handling this well. Communications aren’t clear and we see our leaders and their friends getting away with putting society at risk. But, if you don’t like the law, you work to change it through democracy, not break it.
You have a chance to save someone’s life. It may be a 10% chance, it may be an 80% chance. But I would like my neighbours, my society to look at me and think “this doesn’t harm me, and may save her life. Yep, that’s a fair deal”.
I agree with Kirstin and I will wear a mask (Reluctantly because it gives me a bit of claustrophobia), for all the non-religious reasons already listed.
But here's the thing... no one took away anyone's choice. People who refuse to wear a mask are making the choice to not wear one and stay home.
Jenny,
Perfectly said.
Thank you for this well-written piece!!
I agree 100%!
One more thought before dinner Must Be Prepared - I saw a sign in a small shop this week that I loved. It says:
Masks Required
I wear it for you.
You wear it for me.
oh I love that, so true
Very, very, very well done.
I appreciated reading your response. It was simply put, logical and respectfully. Thank you.
I'm from New York and have seen my state go from the epicenter of thes virus to getting the covid numbers well under control. I attribute this to almost universal mask wearing and shelter in place orders thanks to our fantastic governor. Wearing a mask is critical in stopping the spread!
*this
I'm from New York as well, NYC in fact, and I wholeheartedly agree. I am near Chinatown and often noticed some of the residents there wearing masks long before Covid came along. One day I asked someone why and they said it's normal in the country they emigrated from to wear a mask when one was sick out of respect for the health of others to limit the spread of illness. It's simply that, respect your neighbors and they will respect you.
Your governor has been a real leader throughout the pandemic.
The is the best article that I have read about the benefits of wearing a mask. I am also a christian and will be wearing my mask cheerfully if it protects me and the people around me.
THank you! I totally agree with you!
I am blown away... BLOWN away that the US even has this debate. Only country in the world at such odds over face covering. It’s a head scratcher. And rates in America are high and growing and pretty out of control.
This was is just bananas if I do say so myself.
I totally agree and you eloquently stated all of the reasons that masks should be worn and pointed out how silly some people are being.
In support of mask-wearing I'm going to go full-on geek here and quote Spock and Captain Kirk from "Star Trek, The Wrath of Khan."
Spock: "Logic clearly dictates that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few."
Kirk: "Or the one.”
'Nuff said!
This is hilarious, Annie. Very good take. Live long and prosper (and wear a mask). 🙂
Live long and prosper!
Thank you for pointing out those things. I agree with all your points 🙂 God bless
What you wrote is pretty much exactly how I feel about it. Kudos to you for having the courage to address this. I tried to gently share in a conversation on this topic with some of the points above and learned that I don't have thick enough skin to engage in those types of conversations in social media. 😉
I appreciate you. I appreciate you pointing out truth (for those of us who are also Christian). I appreciate your care for others. I appreciate your kind and gentle way of communicating. Thanks for all that you do.
Great points. Totally agree. its also been said “ what can you do for your country?” Masking up is the least I can do.
Thank you so much for posting this. Your reasoning is wonderful. As a dialysis nurse, I wear a mask for my patients (healthcare workers have worn masks for decades to protect their patients). As a Christian, I do it because Jesus has called me to love my neighbor, and I can think of no better way to love my neighbor during a pandemic than wearing a mask.
You always do such a great job discussing tricky topics, and this time is no exception. Thank you.
Thank you for your perspective. Where you are led by your beliefs as am I. I was raised to do unto others as I want done unto me. The Golden Rule. Simply put.
I seldom go out these days, unless it is to an uncrowded area, but when I shop I wear a mask for all the reasons (minus the religious) that you do. I don't believe that scientists all over the world are in league to force us into masks for no good reason. However, one of the main reasons I wear them to the grocery store is that I know that the people who do that work are far less privileged than I---by virtue of my degrees I have always had high paying jobs with lots of benefits and autonomy. Folks who work in grocery stores and the like do not have the freedom I had; they show up when ordered and do what they are told, like it or not. They need to be protected form the virus, as well as spared the pain of having people abuse them when they have no choice but to tell shoppers to put on masks. To my mind, it is a matter of respecting them.
Yes, it makes me so sad when I hear stories of how rude some customers are to employees who are simply enforcing the rules; rules that the employees are not responsible for!
Working with the general public is a hard job to begin with, and I am sure that having to enforce mask rules has just made it even harder for these employees. I feel for them.
Thank you thank you THANK YOU!
Question - would you submit to a Covid vaccine if the government mandated it?
This is a pretty theoretical question at this point; it sounds like there's not going to be nearly a large enough supply for everyone anyway.
Whether I would or wouldn't is hard for me to say at this point, but when we cross that bridge, I will submit to what the government tells me to do unless I think it violates some biblical principle.
More relevant to this discussion, though, is the fact that mask-wearing is definitely not a sin for me, which means I'm going to do what Romans 13 say and submit to the governing authorities.
Coming in late to this - last night Kamala Harris was asked the same question at the debate, and she said if the public health authorities she trusted, such as Dr. Fauci, recommended it then she absolutely would. If just the reigning political leader did, she wouldn't. I thought that was a really fair response.
Excellent post! 🙂
Not religious, but agree with all of your other points. I wear a mask to protect myself and others, to show respect for my neighbors. I want to eventually get back to a place where my kids can go back to school, and many of our neighbors can go back to work.
Thanks for your thoughtful post!
Thank you for wearing the mask!
I love the take and you said it very well.
Thank you!
Yes! I agree with everything you said.:)
Thank you. Very well said.
Very well said! As an American living outside the US at this time, it's been quite interesting watching the mask drama from afar. (And it's more than a little embarrassing.) I don't like wearing a mask, but it's mandatory in public where we live. C'est la vie!
Well said. Just an interesting fact I am short & pre-covid at my work periodically when people were talking to me I would feel little droplets of their spit land on my face & I am sure they were totally unaware. Also if you look up how far a cough or sneeze travels you might be quite surprised.
I'm pretty tall (5',8") so I have never thought about how being short must affect you that way around sneezes or even just people talking.
The tall people really need to wear masks to protect the shorter people! Few droplets will reach the basketball-player height people, but their droplets could reach a whole lot of other people.
Wow! I am 6 feet tall and never, ever thought about the fact that a shorter person might get rained on if someone taller sneezed. Thanks for giving me that perspective.
Something I never thought of!
Thank you for your intelligent thoughts on the masking matter!! Your writing is always so well thought out!! I appreciate the voice of reason!
To those who don't want to be forced to wear a mask for protection. We wear clothes don't we, and there no discussion or objection about that!
Most stores have a policy that says "no shoes, no shirt, no service".. I don't hear any objections about. People just obey that. Add masks to those requirements. I think the people that are saying wearing masks "violates their rights" don't want to wear a mask for whatever reason and uses that phrase to justify their actions. How about the rights of others to live free of contracting the virus? They are being selfish and only concerned about themselves, but wait until they or someone they love contracts covid. Wearing a mask is much easier than being connected to a ventilator! Many of the people who object to wearing a mask are also complaining and pushing for everything to be open. So if we want everything open and everybody back to work, we all need to do what we can to help get there. WEAR A MASK!
P E R F E C T L Y said! Bravo
I agree with your comments and I too share a christian faith that influences my choices and behavior in this world. I think people are rebellious by nature and do not want to be told what to do, although we are being told, 'influenced' everyday by multiple sources via social media, TV etc... and although people think they are thinking for themselves, it would seem they are not rational in the least. The world seems to be tilting towards madness and I for one take comfort in knowing God is in control. (Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.) Here in Ontario, Canada a bylaw has been passed that we must wear masks in public places. I wear a mask as does my husband.
This is so true! I read comments all the time bashing mask wearing, and from Christian people I might add. This is so frustrating! As a former nurse in my younger years I totally understand the reason for masks. I see friends, Christian friends, who even have serious health conditions refuse to wear a mask even though it's a mandate in my state. She calls it her freedom...I say, then you also have the freedom to contract the Covid 19 virus and pass it to others including your loved ones. So selfish and irresponsible this seems to be. Just wear the mask and disagree within, but please people wear the mask! This too shall pass, but only if we all work together to do what we can!
The reasons to wear a mask are so clear and you have stated them. The one reason that stands out is just because it is the right thing to do, to protect yourself, your loved ones and because you should care about everyone, everyone else you come in contact with. Thank you for your writing.
Love, love, love your this post, Kristin. And right on, to every single point you made. I unfortunately do not see all the anti-maskers complying any time soon, even with all of the local mandates in place, even with all of the data backing up their effectiveness, or the experts touting their use. It simply doesn't matter to anti-maskers: their "freedom" supersedes all else. I just hope the wake up call will not be tens of thousands more preventable deaths.
I agree with your seven points! I hope more people will come to understand the role of mask wearing in helping to slow the virus.
Amen! My Christian sister. No more to be said.❤ Thank you also to all Health Care Workers for all your sacrifice, time, and care. May God bless you all!
You are welcome!
Hi Frugal Girl,
Great post!
I am a reader from the UK and we find the mask controversy over in the US just baffling! We just don’t understand what all the fuss is about, it’s seems like a ludicrous thing to be arguing about given everything else that’s happening.
I guess it shows my ignorance of US culture, as I really don’t understand; why people feel so strongly about having the right to behave without thinking of the effect of their actions on broader society. It’s nice to read blogs and comments so I can try to understand why people feel so passionately about this issue.
Thanks for the discussion
Effie,
There are lots of us over here who don't get it either!
From what I can see (in Canada here), it's a situation that's been encouraged and fulminated by the political climate in the US. It has been set up for an already divided population to believe that wearing a mask represents one political party over the other. The wearing of masks has been given meaning other than medical - it's said to represent the overbearing control one political party is trying to force upon the people, and it's also taken as a sign of weakness to wear one. It's a misguided power grab with deadly consequences. People are getting sick and dying and the pandemic is still raging out of control because of this other-focus on mask-wearing. It's one of those situations that doesn't make sense to the outside observer, but emotions are running high within.
Love this post, thank you Kristen. And just a small comment regarding the abundant references to Christianity in the comments below - I sincerely hope it is recognized that caring about others is not unique to Christianity. Every religion has this provision in it's list of beliefs, as do agnostics and atheists.
Very true, thank you. I’m an atheist, but I wear a mask because scientific research supports it, and it’s the right thing to do. My husband and one of my sons have diabetes, and I am afraid of their being exposed to this virus.
I will wear a mask because it is the right thing to do for others. I even think the people who do not want to wear one, know deep down, it the right thing to do. I think the real issue is the constant preaching and telling others what to do. Even this post, while done in an informative and gentle way, is indirectly telling someone they should wear a mask. The more we encourage (push) with the best of intentions just gets their backs up even more. I think we just need to stop talking about it.
Lives are at risk. We can't afford to stop talking about it.
We have gone beyond the point of talking or informative dialogue. We are now TELLING someone what to do. Adults don’t want or need to be told what to do by other adults, who have no authority to do so. This post is a perfect example of passive aggressive behaviour. I am pro-mask, and I am even getting tired of other telling me I have to do this.
All valid points!
I think exactly the same. I was not wearing masks before it became mandatory, and now I do. It's not a big deal and I don't have a problem with it. I already wear one daily at work (health care worker) so I'm used to it.
Amen, sister! You expressed my same sentiments so very eloquently, persuasively, and humbly. Thank you for writing this post, even though I know you don’t like controversy.
I was so relieved to read this post and MANY of the comments. I live in Dallas, TX and the virus is raging onward like nothing else. I cannot for the life of me wrap my head around not wearing a mask. I've noticed that a lot of the anti-maskers tend to be from southern states (I'm born and raised a New Englander!) and I wonder if this whole 'southern pride' or trump supporters BS is giving them the wrong knowledge. When my husband and I go out, there are often multiple people without masks. What is it that they don't understand? If they don't want to wear a mask, then I feel like they shouldn't have access to medical care if they get the virus. Its horrid to say out loud, but after 5 months of staying inside, I'm so over it and would like to get back to a normal life at some point. (I'm not talking about people who cannot wear the mask for medical reasons). The whole political 'they can't tell me what to do' 'its my freedom' BS is also ridiculous in my opinion. The government controls A LOT of what we already do and spend our time/money on, what the hell difference does wearing a flimsy piece of cloth have to do with your rights? Its super frustrating and I have grandparents, elderly parents and health compromised friends. Is it that hard to show you genuinely care about the needs of others by supporting the mask wearing movement? Isn't that how most of us were raised? 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'
Thank you for your voice of reason - polite, thoughtful, gracious, constructive, mature and intelligent.
As someone with a kidney transplant, I would like to personally thank everyone who wears a mask. Most people do not know this but immune compromised people can't get any vaccines that are made with live viruses (I hope the new covid 19 vaccines are made with in-active viruses.) Therefore, I don't have immunity to mumps or measles etc. Wearing a mask helps prevent me from getting all sorts of icky illnesses.
THANK YOU FOR WEARING A MASK!
I agree with you. I totally would love to be able to stay home with all the craziness going on. I work in a restaurant and we never closed. People have told us they couldn't figure out why we were essential, when they were not. (No idea what their job is.) We have people cuss at us, because they have to wear a mask in our business. Though, they could use delivery or curbside pickup. We have people on one end of the spectrum that freak out if we aren't wearing masks and gloves. And then people on the complete opposite who says it's a fake virus and calling us all sheep. I don't think it's a fake virus. We're just starting to get people with an immunity. We have to follow CDC regulations, or we have to close. It's very much like when polio happened. It doesn't affect most people too badly. But, the few it hits hard...it's very dangerous. My friend's grandma had polio and had to wear braces the rest of her life. She had a special car that used hand grips to operate the pedals. The iron lung kept people alive then. We have more modern ways to fight it. But, it still hits hard. I have a friend that got a mild case of it. She's a healthcare worker and she said it was horrible.
I am so happy you wrote this post, Kristen! As an asthmatic, I have stayed home for months. I only recently starting going out again and I wear a mask in stores and indoors anywhere other than my home or the homes of the few people in my "bubble". One day when I went out, I walked for 2 hours with a mask on (I was walking with a friend who was outside of my "bubble"), this included going to the grocery store and carrying groceries home. Was it harder to breathe? Sure, a bit harder, but the fact is that I was breathing and I still am. If I caught COVID-19, I would likely be one of the unlucky ones who would be on a ventilator and unable to breathe on my own. I wear a mask to protect myself and others. Asthma doesn't stop me from doing the right thing.
I'm with you on the asthma train. My family will be in the most careful group for the duration of the pandemic. It's not always fun, but it feels very worth it.
I'll admit, wearing a mask can be rough some days. I work in drug and vaccine development and we have to keep our labs at a certain temp for our experiments and this means we scientists are usually sweating throughout the day and cycling through masks if they get damp. But holy geez, it feels worth it for myself and to keep everyone else safe. A pleasant side effect: Walmart does free grocery pickup, my family has switched over to it, and I'm so stoked to not grocery shop anymore!
Thank you!
Personally, I also find this a strange hill to die on and think you are right on every account.
It makes me sad to see so many people who will just dismiss the reason "because it's the least you can do to help your fellow human beings."
I'm not Christian but respect deeply those who are--especially when they TRULY live that. So, it's discouraging to me to see so many claim to love Christ and live so unlike his teachings.
Well said. I completely agree with you!
Thank you for writing this. I'm not at all religious, but it was kind of refreshing to see your take on that regarding masks. Most of the people I know who are the most obnoxious about not wearing the masks are the ones who claim to be the most devout, good Christians. I don't see it. So your take was refreshing.
I have zero tolerance for the people not wearing masks. I've had the luxury of working from home, but my husband has not and it's infuriating to me that people will choose selfishness over protecting others who don't have the choice to stay home.
In skimming the comments, it looks like most of them are pro-mask, so that's hopeful.
"Wearing a mask is not very hard." Unfortunately, that is not true for everyone. Personally, wearing a mask is HARD for me. For me, wearing a mask causes tremendous anxiety, panic, claustrophobia, and difficulty breathing. We now have forceful mask mandates in my state, and I worry about how I will purchase groceries or gas for my car or replace my broken shoes, since stores are not allowing anyone in without a mask (no exceptions). My local grocery stores do not offer free pickup. And if I order something online from Kohls or Walmart, how will I return it if it doesn't fit?
I know many of you disagree with me, but I do not think that "not wearing a mask" equates to "not caring about others." And I say this despite the fact that I have "underlying medical conditions." Also, I have worked at a manufacturing company throughout this entire pandemic; we were considered an essential business and never shut down. I did not have the choice to stay home, and I have gone in to work every day. And I am thankful that my employer does not require masks.
And since you are probably wondering ... do I think COVID is real? Yes. Do I want to get it? No. Do I live in fear of it? No.
If you can’t wear a mask, wear a face shield. If you can’t enter a store, maybe a friend or relative can run the errand for you. We now have a mask mandate in my state. Personally, I won’t patronize an establishment that does not enforce my state’s mask mandate.
Stores in my area will offer to personally shop for you for free on the spot if you can't wear a mask. And EVERY news story/lawsuit of a crazy angry person trying to shop maskless where there is a mask mandate has included a comment by the store that they offered to personally shop for the person in that exact moment. I'm SURE if you called your local store you could explain to them you can't wear a mask due to health limits and cannot afford to pay for pickup. I don't see how they would refuse to help when you ask nicely given every time they offer to help someone who was treating them like crap.
Returning clothing to Kohls and Walmart is a happy past time but...not super essential or needed all that often. There are work arounds and again, I'm sure people could help you out if you're changing sizes and need new clothes and ask for help. Asking for help isn't a weakness; it's a strength and being part of a community. I get that change is hard, and I don't think you don't care about others. But I do think you're making some excuses because you're upset and uncomfortable... when in reality, there are ways to solve your problems if you're willing to accept the different than "normal" path.
Those of us who want 100% masking in public places don't live in fear, we live with the knowledge that scientific studies and multiple pieces of epidemiological evidence (situational proof) show masks are effective at stopping transmission (see the sick hairdressers who cut over 100 peoples hair everyone in masks and zero covid transmission). I have compassion for your discomfort, but I do feel it's important to stress that are ways to deal with this without shopping maskless.
If you wear a condom, you can wear a mask. Very simple. Idk why this country is making a big deal about it. Wear one so we can move on with our lives.
Because the people for it, need to stop telling others to DO it.
This article is absolutely ridiculous. You need to leave religion out of it. Also the government should NEVER be allowed to tell you what to do with your own body. Wearing a seatbelt is different then making you and enforcing a mask mandate. For one a seat belt does not block your air ways. Two wearing a seatbelt doesn't cause condensation to build up around your face and force you to wear it.
Government mandate aside, I guess it would be nice if you were willing to make a small, temporary sacrifice to your comfort to potentially save the lives of the people around you. It just seems really unkind to not be willing to do that.
School children are immunized before they can enroll in classes. Smokers are prohibited from specific locations. We drink fluoridated water. Motorcyclists must wear helmets (which actually saved my teenaged son's life at one point). We are security scanned at airports and courthouses.
At almost every turn we have to comply with some government mandate involving our bodies. Some are simply for the good of the majority. It can be a simple numbers game.
I feel safer in a mask than a seatbelt. I am nursing so the seatbelts usually move over my neck which would be very dangerous should I actually be in an accident.
While FG rarely talks in depth about her religion, it resonates as a large part of her life. Her writing, in her blog, of course is to be colored, and deeply influenced by her religion
Late to the party, but we know more now than when this was commented on.... the mask issue has gotten ridiculous!! Another form of government control!
I agree with everything you said. While I’m not thrilled about wearing a mask in public it’s not something that bothers me personally. I’m a Christian so one of my reasons for wearing the mask is the same as your first point but I also have people that I love and care about that have health issues. So, I will wear a mask as long as I need too.
I wore a mask before the coronavirus hit. My husband was diagnosed in early January with Leukemia - a very severe and rare kind; which means he has no immune system. We started wearing surgical masks at that time to help prevent carrying germs to him before his transplant.
I think it is a personal decision. I appreciate those people who decide to, but I don't begrudge those who don't because I wear one to help prevent transmission of ALL germs, not just covid.
Love and respect to everyone!
thank you for lending your kind, sane voice to this topic!
I can’t believe there’s even an argument. I wear a mask because I feel respect for my fellow human beings. It’s that simple.
Thank you for sharing!
well said Kristen. I think all the complainers should be made to go and work at the hospital for a day with all the safety gear on. They would soon be doing everything they can to get this pandemic over with. This is a time for people to realise it is not just about us, it is these small things we are asked to do that could help bring this to an end.