Photo Credit: Elite Care ER
Wearing a mask in public spaces has become the new normal in our everyday lives. Yet individuals are not taking the mask mandate too seriously. Whether you are entering the grocery store or a restaurant wearing a mask is a requirement, but how does that apply to parks and beaches.
People of all ages and genders are not taking into account the consequences that not wearing masks entail. A person’s own mask habits are putting into question our own mask habits. Maybe we should start thinking twice about wearing a mask in public spaces.
Masks are recommended to be worn in outdoor settings when certain precautions such as standing six feet apart is not possible, but individuals are not abiding by these mandates. There have been many men, women, and children who have chosen to not wear their masks while in an outdoor setting. People are gathering at parks and beaches where they do not wear masks or maintain social distancing guidelines. It makes you question whether or not you should wear yours too. Am I safe because I’m outdoors? Not wearing a mask outdoors is a risk that many individuals are taking.
This brings into question why people aren’t wearing their masks. The reasons behind not wearing a mask varies from person to person, but the one thing they have in common is putting themselves and others at risk of contracting COVID-19.
The no mask wearing conundrum all began when President Trump stated in a Fox interview that he didn’t agree with instituting a national mask mandate. It demonstrates the idea that citizens don’t have to wear a mask if their President isn’t. Individuals have opted to not wear their masks because they believe its interfering with their rights.
These masks mandates are putting some Americans in rage for infringing their own freedom. People do not want to be told what to do even if the measure is put into place for their safety and protection. Many individuals want to be in authority and not wearing a mask gives them this authority. Individuals have also opted out of mask wearing due to the fact that it makes them look “weak.” For some wearing a mask might put them in a vulnerable position, but this position its nothing to be afraid of. This pandemic is not yet over as many assume to believe and that’s why proper precautions should be taken-wearing a mask. Maybe in this case following in President Trump’s footsteps isn’t the way to go.
Another trend I’ve seen amongst individuals is choosing not to wear them outdoors. People are more often than not gathering with friends and family outside but forgetting to wear their masks. Many of us believe it’s safe to assume that we won’t increase the spread of COVID-19 by interacting with friends and family but is that really the case.
Wearing a mask shouldn’t be seen as an option, but as an essential part of life. It’s not just essential for ourselves but also for the people around us. I’ve seen countless instances where parents are wearing masks, but their school aged children are not. A phrase that I’ve heard all too often “they’re just kids.” For that very reason is why they should wear their masks. Wearing a mask is protecting them from the illness that has changed all of our lives forever.
As for those who do wear their mask, they don’t always wear them correctly. People are managing to wear their masks, yet they find difficulty wearing them in its intended fashion. Its seen everywhere you go. Have you taken a look at how you wear your mask out in public?
I think it’s time for all of us to start paying attention to our mask habits. Don’t just wear a mask to protect yourself, think about everyone you cross paths with. Think about the people who you encounter even if it’s just for a few seconds walking down the street. It’s time for us to rethink our mask habits. We can’t stop the spread unless we take the proper precautions by following basic mask mandates in all places, we encounter people even if our President doesn’t think so.
