To mask or not to mask, that is the question… for some people. We’re now at that point in many circumstances where individual choice (while still impacting others) is the norm. And I say- good for you! If you still wanna wear a mask, go for it. Certainly surgical, N95 or KN95 masks are most effective, and some people think we’ve moved on from that era of “must wear”, everywhere…but in a land of freedoms, you get to make that choice.
In Asia, masks have been worn in public for over 70-years. Often, it is simply a courtesy if you’re feeling a bit under the weather to protect others around you. Imagine that- empathy and selflessness, what quaint concepts. Of course, we’re not referring to style masks or weather masks which, while less effective by far from the facial filters mentioned above, still serve a purpose.
We’re in this new era now that we, as a species, have somewhat decided to leave COVID behind (COVID doesn’t officially understand that yet). It’s up to individuals to decide what’s best for them, their loved ones, and people around them. I was recently on a long plane flight- about 15% of the passengers wore masks; I was one of them. At concerts I’ve attended or in large group functions, the number of mask-wearers is closer to 5-10% of attendees. Because now, except where still mandated, it’s your call.
Some have questioned whether the isolation, masking, and relative lack of dirt we’ve all experienced over the past three years has caused (to some degree) an uptick in flu and other viruses. But historically, there are seasonal ailment fluctuations, it is speculation as whether there is such a thing as “immunity debt”, as was suggested in a French research paper 18-months ago. Since we still know so little about long COVID, simply having had COVID might be a culprit affecting people’s immune systems when it comes to other ailments du jour.
Hopefully, as we continue to move forward into whatever the new normal is, people locally who do choose to keep their masks on will not be made to feel different, will not be ostracized, will not get that glare I already sense in certain circumstances. As Blind Faith once sang, “Do What You Like”… when it comes to covering up in mid-2023; for your sake and/or for others.
Think about it…