To mask or not to mask, that is the question.

    Hello, Lovelies.

        With COVID 19 still claiming thousands of lives all around the world every day, is there really anything that we can do? We're not doctors, we can't formulate a vaccine or cure, we've all socially distanced ourselves, we waited and waited in queues for the shops, we've even forgone seeing our family and friends. Surely that's enough. We can't do any more. We've given all we have to stop this deadly virus. We have COVID fatigue. And now they say we have to wear a mask. But will that really help? Or is my face my rules? Can wearing a mask really stop the spread of the virus and help save lives? 

        On Monday morning I was heading to work, nothing out of the ordinary. I parked my car and headed for the underground station that would take me up the Northern line when I stopped dead just outside the station entrance. I'd forgotten my face mask, and it was now policy to cover your face when using public transport. Standing there, time ticking on, I wondered what should I do? Do I just carry on with my journey, not wearing a mask just like so many others do? Do I pull the neck of my top up to cover my mouth and nose, or will people see me and think that I'm completely bonkers? Or did I really have to go to the local shop and pay my good money on another face mask? Why couldn't I just remember to keep my mask in my pocket at all times? And how effective are these masks anyway? 

        Way back, in the beginning, the WHO said that there was no evidence wearing a mask would help stop the virus from spreading. They thought that by wearing a mask people would be less vigilant in hand washing, believing that the mask would be enough. But then the advice changed. Now there was evidence that the masks were providing a barrier to the infectious droplets. All of this was so confusing. One day it was one thing and the next it was another. How were we supposed to keep up?  We'd been put through the emotional ringer over COVID, and wearing a mask was just one step too far. Then came the denial, which usually starts when people come face to face with the depth and seriousness of a situation. The human race has been traumatized by the virus and many psychological defences have kicked in to help us cope. But denial leads to avoidance. And avoidance means that we don't and can't hear the facts. And if we don't believe in the risks, it leads to us not taking the proper precautions, which then spreads the virus even further. What a vicious cycle. Then grew a number of conspiracy theories that have spread, just like the virus itself, all across social media.  So instead of listening to the doctors and scientists, we question them, disbelieving their evidence, and some completely disbelieving that the virus is real.  And if you don't believe that the virus is real, why should you wear a mask?  

        So are the competing messages about mask-wearing the cause of the confusion? Or is it that we have the basic human right not to wear one? A woman in Florida stood up at the Palm beach county commission in June and said,  “I don’t wear a mask for the same reason I don’t wear underwear, things gotta breathe.” Is she right? Or is she completely missing the point? Wear a mask to keep you safe and keep safe all those around you.

        But what of those who have followed all the rules and have worn a face mask when they're out and about?  It can be infuriating when people are flaunting rules meant to slow the spread of a deadly disease. Not wearing a face mask invites public shaming, is that why it's such a divisive sticking point? 'You can't tell me what to do?' 'I don't have to wear one if I don't want to!' They're horrible to wear, I know. If you wear glasses, then you spend your time walking in a fog of condensation. I have asthma, and I hate the feeling of breathlessness. But I don't want or to spread the virus. 

                                                

    

          Is there evidence for the effectiveness of masks?

            Masks are a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from travelling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the mask coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice. COVID-19 affects the respiratory system, and the worst part is that it can be spread by people who do not have symptoms and do not know that they are infected. That why it is so important that everyone wears a mask. Just think about that. You won't know that you're infectious and you pass it on to someone else. What if that person is elderly? Or is living with immunodeficiency like my youngest daughter? Catching the virus could potentially kill her. So your right to not wear a mask is not more important than the life of someone else. 

        At the beginning of the lockdown, face masks were almost impossible to find. Many shops had signs declaring that they had sold out, and had no idea when or if they were ever going to get any back in stock. But as the weeks rolled by, it became much easier to purchase them. Some were plain, whilst others had some fantastic designs. I now have my mask from my favourite designer, Cath Kidston. I do believe that they should be made readily available, and free in most cases. If they were at every station or bus stop, at the entrance of supermarkets, then even those who have been financially devastated by COVID could have clean regular access to potentially life-saving PPE.

        I don't believe that those not wearing masks are evil or stupid, but I do believe that they are scared like the rest of us, and have made a stand. They are misinformed and are only doing what they believe is right. I am not going to shout at someone for not wearing a mask. But I will answer questions as to why I believe that they should wear one. 

    I wear my mask with pride. I am not wearing a mask out of fear, I am wearing a mask because the lives of others are more important. So what did I do at the train station? I went to the local shop and bought a new one and a coffee. It was a win-win.