IT’S A SIMPLE THING
It’s a simple thing. A piece of cloth, measuring about seven inches by eight inches. It covers your mouth AND NOSE. You can find it in all kinds of fabric and fashion statements.
And here’s the best part. It can save your life, or for sure, someone else’s.
I have a lovely pink floral one with a pocket in it to slip in a paper coffee filter, should I feel the need for more protection.
Yes, on occasion it does tickle my nose and sometimes my glasses don’t sit properly on top of it. The elastic bands can be wearisome after a few hours, but fortunately, I don’t have to wear mine for too long, unlike a nurse, a doctor, an EMT or an essential worker.
When COVID 19 reared its ugly head, there was so little we knew about it. But from the beginning, it was apparent that wearing a mask could slow the spread. Washing your hands frequently, ditto. Staying well apart from people, same. Perhaps if we heeded the warnings then, thousands of lives could have been saved.
Now, however, there is also evidence to suggest, that aerosols, those micro droplets coming from your nose and mouth, spread Covid. As recently as September 20, the CDC acknowledged that Covid 19 can be spread through the air.
And, we know that simply wearing a mask can help prevent it.
In an article I recently read by USA Today, after the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota, at least 61% of all counties in the United States had been visited by someone who had attended the Rally. Statistics are still being compiled and traced as the number of Covid cases become available to the health care community and scientists.
Yet, even as doctors and health care workers continue to point out the need for masks and social distancing, we have seen photo after photo of people gathering at rallies, partying on beaches, gathering in bars and other functions, all mask-less, all packed close together.
Sadly, more and more people are still becoming infected, while our death toll continues to rise.
According to statistics compiled by Johns Hopkins University, out of twenty countries most affected by Covid 19, the U.S., as of June 30th, has the 5th highest observed case fatality rate and the second highest per capita death rate. (FactCheck.org)
We recently passed the grim 200,000 mark of Covid deaths. Just since January, over 200,000 of our people are gone.
Sobering statistics, one would think.
So, what’s the problem? Why are some of us still so resistant to wearing a mask?
Why not do the right thing? For your families, for your neighbors, for your country.
It’s a little piece of cloth covering your mouth and nose. It will save your life and possibly the lives of many others.
It’s a simple thing.
