To mask, or not to mask
This past week, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order making it mandatory for everyone in the state to wear a mask in public spaces, with various exemptions.
The order has been met with approval by some, and disapproval by others.
We asked Leader readers whether or not they were obeying the mandate, and the reason behind their decisions. Here are many of those responses (some edited for length):
“I’m going to wear a mask because it’s the law, and I care about my health and I have respect for others. It’s uncomfortable and hot but a small price to pay for good reasons. I don’t like driving 60 mph on Kell either but I do it, because it’s the law. We have laws for good reason, we need to follow those laws.”
– Carla Sue
“I’m wearing a mask but plenty of people are not wearing them at the Lowe’s grocery store or the DG ... I say instead of saying it impedes our constitutional rights that we all wear masks for 3 months. If it does not improve the numbers then we can all stop wearing them and laugh at the scientific community versus thinking we have a doctorate in Googling so we are not going to do it. Let’s protect the community and wear our masks.”
– Jason
“I am wearing a mask when in public. I did not wear one during the last outbreak but this one seems worse so I decided to comply. Of course, that fine is an incentive also.”
– Norma
“I am wearing a mask in public places, I do it for a couple of reasons, first it is the law and I can’t afford the fine, second if it protects just one person then I will comply.”
– Kari
“I am a good citizen and try to follow rules but I have a problem with the mask thing. Not just to be defiant but for 2 reasons. 1) I have reviewed the virus under microscope and including the measurements if the disease RNA and have come to a conclusion along with my PCP that most of the masks readily available on mar
market are not adequate to actually deter the transmission of the disease (N95 or better is required). The plastic face Guard would work better. 2) I personally have severe Maskaphobia that brings on severe panic attacks so I avoid going out in areas where the people are belligerent about masks and I carry a doctor’s note stating my disability. If people who do not know me nor don’t care that I am following my doctor’s recommendation insist I wear a scarf around my neck that I can pull up to cover my face just to help that person check their compliance block.”
– Anna
“We wear masks and gloves anytime we go into someone’s home to protect us both. We do it for safety and respect to others who may be susceptible to health issues. Small thing to do to protect people. Is it 100% effective? No but it is better than doing nothing at all.”
– Russell
“Well I think everyone should just go ahead and wear one as I do first of all out of respect to others. Second its now the law even if its temporary otherwise your fined. It’s just like having to wear a seatbelt or having car insurance or wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle (I know there’s some exclusions to the helmet law also).”
– Demetrio
“It makes sense. Of course that’s why a lot of people won’t wear one. We will wear them.”
– Paula
“I’m wearing one now cause it’s law and can’t afford the fine. I also have my son to protect cause he has asthma.”
– Chyenne
“My family wears a mask when in public and in areas that we are unable to control those that come into our 6 foot bubble. I have a son that is at high risk and it is not worth this risk to not wear one. The guilt I would feel if I brought it home and someone contracted it from me would not be worth the inconvience of wearing a mask. It may not protect me from the virus but it will for sure reduce the spread of the virus and if everyone does that in turn it will control the virus.”
– Amy
“If wearing a mask will protect us, wear it. It is childish to ignore something that will keep you and other’s safe. If you were told not to jump off a cliff because you might get hurt, would you jump anyway because you might not get hurt. You don’t want to be told what to do.”
– Suellen
“We are masking if/when we go out. There are too many people out and about whose health is fragile or who are immunocompromised but who look perfectly fine. We could be asymptomatic or presymptomatic, and just be going happily on our way spreading disease to those we meet. Masks aren’t perfect, but they do help deflect the sneezes/ coughs/whatever and keep them from flying as far as they would otherwise.”
– Kristi
“Do I like to wear masks? No. Do I wear a mask anyway? Yes.
Pros: it’s supposed to slow the spread of COVID-19, it shows respect for the people around you, AND it hides my double chin.Cons: semi difficult to breathe and it makes my face sweat.
On the other hand, it’s probably harder to breathe on a ventilator and it’s summertime in Texas, so we’re all probably sweating anyway. Just wear the mask.”
– Kaylen
“My family and I have worn masks since it was first recommended in Texas. Our choice to wear a mask has nothing to do with whether or not it will protect me, but everything to do with protecting others. Our decision was made out of care and respect for others in our community. A simple gesture of putting a mask on when I leave my house shows love and kindness for everyone else. I do not want someone to look at me and question whether their life could be threatened when something so simple could ease their worry.”
– Celestriale
“Been wearing a mask since March 16. I’m diabetic and I have several family members who are too. I also wouldn’t want to pass it to anyone else. Be considerate of others.”
– Dori
“I have been wearing a mask since the beginning of the virus. It’s about doing what is best for the health of others.”
– Sheri
“Yes, I’m wearing a mask in part because of Matthew 7:12.”
– Melissa
“I do wear a mask in public, does it help or not? That question I can not answer but I have grandchildren and I take care of immunosuppressed pediatrics so I’d rather not chance getting COVID. I would pull through but my patients would not.”
– Michelle
“I wear my mask to protect others and myself. I was doing it before the mandatory order and will continue to do so.”
– Sherry
“I have to wear while I work. It takes much oxygen and therefore takes my energy. Everyone I work with is dragging from lack of energy.”
– Penny
“I wear a mask not for myself but my loved ones.”
– Andrew
“I wear a mask out of respect for other people.”
– Frances
“I wear a mask to protect those around me.”
– Bobbie
“Well some people are not aware that licking windows is bad!”
– Kelly
“I have trouble breathing in them I have Asthma.”
– Britt
“I think we should wear a mask. I do and I expect others to do the same, for my safety and theirs.”
– Donna
“They don’t work. I won’t wear them.”
– John
“My family wears masks when in public. Only makes sense to protect oneself and any who may be vulnerable.”
– Myrna
“I sure am wearing a mask. It is the sensible thing to do.”
– Linda
“If wearing a mask will protect you and your family and others why would you not want to wear one?”
– Joan
“Wearing a mask.”
– Robert
“Mask.”
– Dori
“I wear mine.”
– Brenda
“I like so many others hate the mask. BUT it is the law now to wear them so I wear one. I have to wear one at work all day also. For me it’s no big deal to wear a mask to be in a public space. If it saves even one life then do it!”
– Laura
“Brad Wetherbee and I have talked about the efficacy of masks lately. I’ve also had hundreds of people ask me what I believe about the masks issue, because my mom and I are severely immunocompromised.
Frankly, I’ve been scared to comment, because I don’t believe this should be a political issue. I’m incredibly disappointed that choosing not to wear a mask has become a badge of honor for some. I don’t believe choosing to wear a mask is declaring agreement with liberal politics, any more than not wearing a mask is standing up for personal rights.
It breaks my heart that political division has taken the place of the caring, neighborly compassion I experienced during the first lockdown.
Also, I am a statistician. I taught graduate level statistics for a couple of years. I understand that COVID-19 is affecting a minuscule part of the population. The death rates are going way down, likely because the virus is spreading in a younger group than before. However, millions of Americans are still vulnerable because of age, chronic illness, immunosuppression, and more. Worse, many states are hitting capacity in their ICU’s because COVID patients sometimes need extensive life support.
My view of mask wearing is simple: It’s not about you or me, it’s about loving others.
Check out this study. It is simple, and it points to the real reason masks work. They help stop infected people from spreading the virus.
All those studies that say wearing cloth masks won’t protect YOU are partly correct. The virus can pass through them TO you. Not as much as if you don’t wear a mask, but it can. Masks keep droplets FROM you away from others. Again, they aren’t 100% perfect.
But that’s not the point. The key word in all this is “help.” Only masks with respirators are 100% effective in stopping virus from flowing FROM me to you or you TO me. However, even cloth masks help reduce the amount of virus flowing FROM you TO me.
Now, my immunologist has had me wearing masks in crowded situations for many years. I use an amazing N95 reusable Cambridge mask, and it is effective in protecting me. But I still catch bronchitis, flu, or other infections every time I travel. Imagine how much safer I would be if the people around me were wearing even plain cloth masks—they reduce the amount of droplets in the air at least 25-40%. That reduction may not seem like enough to you, but I would be so grateful for less exposure to germs that aren’t dangerous to you but could be life-threatening for me.
In a very real sense, I have to trust the people around me to protect my health. Imagine how it feels when I read or hear “You can’t make me wear a mask!” “Masks don’t protect me anyway.” “Masks are inconvenient or uncomfortable.”
But frankly, I want to step away from the soapbox. Harping on you for not protecting people like me is too argumentative. I’m not here to offend you, pressure you, or especially, to bring up your political beliefs.
I’m asking you to be kind.
Jesus says, “And the world will know you by your love for one another.”
Paul says, “Be kind and compassionate, tender-hearted...loving one another.”
Take a minute to think before you walk out of the house with or without a mask, before you share someone else’s harsh opinion on social media, or argue with someone in the grocery store.
Will you put yourself first or will you be kind?”
– Brianna
