In “unprecedented times” such as the ones we are living in during 2020 it is important to check both the priorities that individuals hold and the priorities of our society as a whole.
With more and more calls to wear a mask, some people have chosen to interpret this guideline as having political motives.
However, as even more cases of COVID-19 surface, everyone must examine and reconsider their preconceived notions about recommendations on how to stop the spread of a dangerous virus.
According to the CDC website, there are many reasons to wear a mask and many ways in which this can help prevent infection. Their website also explains face coverings in social settings and what a huge difference it can make in the grand scheme of things.
The website states: “CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.”
The page goes on to highlight how “masks may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others” and “masks are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings.” They explain how anyone can come into contact with COVID-19 and transmit it, whether they know it or not. This fact makes it all the more important for people to wear a mask or other face covering even if they have no symptoms.
There are exceptions to this, which the CDC also lists on the website’s page discussing masks. Individuals who have issues breathing and chidlren under the age of 2 are exceptions, as are people who may be unable to remove the mask themselves.
Their website emphasizes that everyone can play a part in slowing down how rapidly the virus may spread and that one major step to protecting communities and individuals alike from its impact is wearing a mask and keeping social distancing guidelines in mind.
This can be done in the everyday practice of setting aside any personal preference to instead prioritize the safety of others. It can be incredibly easy to fall victim to the mentality in today’s social climate that wearing a mask is a political statement. However, this mentality potentially endangers individuals who may come into contact with the novel coronavirus.
The data suggest that different types of masks provide different levels of protection from COVID-19 and the germs related to it, so it is recommended that individuals research this and find out what kinds of face coverings are most effective and ideal for daily life.
As the virus’s impact continues to exist in American society one heavily based around personal freedoms people may feel their personal freedoms are being suppressed by the requirement to put on face coverings.
Although, this is not reason enough to put others and oneself at risk. Studies have shown that wearing a mask is most effective when everyone is wearing them, not just one person.
Something as simple and effortless as wearing a cloth face covering does not need to signal the violation of an individual’s personal liberties. However many have tried to make it seem that way.
During times such these it is vital to recognize that not everything is politically motivated and there are certain actions that can be taken to slow the spread of the virus and show a Christ-like consideration for others.
