KAMLOOPS — IT’S MY TURN to weigh in on the mask issue.
In a word, yes.
Yes, it should be mandatory to wear them. Why? Because so few people do it on their own.
A few months ago, wearing masks wasn’t considered worthwhile. Dr. Bonnie Henry, Dr. Theresa Tam and all the other experts said there was no point to it. Since then, of course, they’ve changed their tune.
Masks lessen our chances of infecting others with COVID-19, and that’s the key. If it was only about protecting ourselves, it wouldn’t matter so much. But wearing a mask signals that we care about the health of our fellow human beings.
I’m sure if you don’t wear a mask it doesn’t mean you don’t care. But I get sick of hearing people say it’s about their human rights, that they aren’t afraid of COVID-19. Well, pay attention.
According to the scientists, the virus could be mutating and becoming even more infectious. They said that just the other day. Places that are re-opening their economies too quickly are experiencing sudden resurgences of infections.
The so-called “second wave” is coming at us sooner than we expected. Overall, globally speaking, the pandemic is worse than it ever was.
And yet, most people refuse or can’t be bothered to wear a mask. Look around the next time you’re out and about. Maybe one person in 50 does it. The only way to change that is to make wearing a mask the law, with some obvious exceptions.
If you don’t worry about infecting others, think of it this way. Masks are becoming hot fashion items. A lot of them are downright cool. When you wear a mask you get a certain sense of security because nobody recognizes you. And you don’t have to worry if you didn’t have time to brush.
Just wear the mask. But, chances are you won’t, which is why it should become the law, everywhere.
I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.
Mel Rothenburger’s Armchair Mayor editorials appear Mondays through Thursdays on CFJC- TV. His Armchair Mayor column is published Saturdays on ArmchairMayor.ca and CFJC Today. Contact him at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.
Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.
