I hope your Fourth of July celebration was a glorious and healthy one! Along those lines, I’m so glad to see that folks on both sides of the political aisle are uniting to assert our independence from Covid19 by wearing masks.
In this day and age, it is rare that we can all agree on something. This makes mask-wearing a real coup when it comes to the public health and safety issues posed by the Coronavirus.
Dick Cheney says WEAR A MASK. #realmenwearmasks pic.twitter.com/iBfVoa7ypL
— Liz Cheney (@Liz_Cheney) June 26, 2020
When It Comes To Covid Masks There Is No Political Divide
Democrats, Republicans, and Independents wear masks not only to protect one another, and prevent the spread of Coronavirus, we also do so for our health heroes.
Wearing Covid Masks Honors Our Medical Warriors
When we wear masks we demonstrate the honor and respect that our doctors, nurses, and other medical warriors deserve as they lead the charge against this terrible disease. Our health warriors wear their masks on the front lines of the war against Covid19, so it is only fitting that we wear ours too. But mask-wearing is far more than respectful and symbolic, it saves lives and invigorates our waning economy.
Face Mask Use Reduces Covid Infections
As one of my favorite writers, Nicholas Kristoff recently pointed out, in the last four months, Covid19 has killed more Americans than the Korean, Vietnam, Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq wars combined. He also mentions an important meta-study in The Lancet that shows that “face mask use could result in a large reduction in risk of infection.”1
If you are in need of a Covid refresher, take a look at my post called, What Is Coronavirus?
Free exclusive eBook, plus recipes and health tips, delivered to your inbox.
Immediate Mask-Wearing Recommendations
I found another interesting and persuasive study on universal mask-wearing on Cornell University’s archive of scholarly articles. The physicists who created the model on mask-wearing argue in favor of:
“Immediate mask-wearing recommendations, official guidelines for correct use, and awareness campaigns to shift masking mindsets away from pure self-protection, towards aspirational goals of responsibly protecting one’s community.”
Choosing Between Health And Economy…
No doubt that when it comes to health and the economy, masks are a win-win. Joseph Allen from the School of Public Health at Harvard stated in a Washington Post article that masks effectively prevent the spread of Coronavirus. It is this type of practical, no-nonsense information that has united our country around the economically viable, effective initiative of mask-wearing.
…Is A False Dichotomy
So many now understand that wearing a mask erases the false dichotomy between health and economics because the universal mask initiative addresses both with fairly little effort.
Japan Uses Masks To Prevent Spread of Coronavirus
Japan has used Covid masks with much success and to great effect. The country has a population of around one-third of ours and has suffered from less than 1,000 Coronavirus deaths. Due to mask-wearing, Japan has not had to face the discussion of lockdowns. Businesses remain open and public transportation continues to operate because the Japanese willingly wear masks to protect one another and their economy.2
National Mask Mandate Could Save US Lives Plus $1 Trillion
As Coronavirus levels rise across the country, many states are hitting pause on reopening plans which is terribly sad and tragic when we have examples of countries like Japan that didn’t really ever shut down. A national mask mandate could save the US $1 trillion, according to an article in Forbes.3
“Reducing the spread of the virus through mask-wearing could be a substitute for strict lock down measures that would otherwise shave 5% –or $1 trillion– off the U.S. GDP.”
Covid Has Killed Over 130k In US
As compared to Japan, the US has suffered an unbearable and tremendous loss of lives. More than 130,000 US Citizens are dead because of Coronavirus. Per capita, Japan has suffered 1% of the deaths incurred here in the US. Why? The Japanese use masks while waiting for the cure to arrive. This is smart and makes great sense.
We Wear Covid Masks To Save Lives And Jobs
The business community is leading us in the right direction. Now, all we need to do is wear masks to save lives, rescue our economy, and rebuild morale in this country.
What About Fauci And Covid Masks?
Although I am a lifelong Democrat in favor of fixing the rampant income inequality in this country and am also wholeheartedly in favor of the Black Lives Matter movement, one thing that Trump and I can completely agree on is Dr. Anthony Fauci. I think it is fantastic that he appointed an expert of Dr. Fauci’s caliber to help oversee his administration’s Coronavirus efforts.
Fauci Leads Administration On Covid Mask Efforts
Although it is true that all of us were in COVerwhelm at the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic and that Trump’s government (his very own Surgeon General along with Fauci) did recommend sparing masks for medical workers early on, it is fantastic that the mask-wearing ship has now been righted. Trump is also to be commended for his continued unwavering support of Fauci and the good doctor’s fervent advocacy of universal mask-wearing. This is something to applaud no matter where your political heart and allegiance lands because universal mask-wearing saves lives and jobs. It is one of the most patriotic things you can do.
Losing A Loved One To Covid
This terrible battle has taken so many lives, including those of family and friends. If you have suffered a loss, please leave a comment below. And if you are in need of resources for grieving during these strange times, you’ll want to take a look at my article called, Grieving Death In The Time Of The Coronavirus Pandemic, as this is something I have personally gone through and experienced with my family. I can tell you, losing someone is not ever easy, but right now it is more oddly challenging than ever.
People Now Understand Vital Importance Of Wearing Masks
At the end of May I wrote about the mask issue in a post called, Do Masks Prevent The Spread Of Coronavirus, and hundreds of comments later the verdict was still out among my readers at that time. I’m especially thrilled now though to see how far folks have come on wearing masks in such a short time. Although that post seemed to cause quite a stir and more than a bit of contention and controversy I didn’t mind at all. I think it’s important that we all get to share our views so that we can learn from each other. It’s amazing, though since then, how many have come around and now support mask-wearing. Thank goodness people are waking up!
Some In Florida Not On Board With Covid Masks?
It is true, as you can see in the video above, there are still some holdouts when it comes to mask-wearing, but most people are coming around and starting to realize that the only way to open our country back up without interruption will be universal mask-wearing.
Some Do Not Wish To Obey Traffic Regulations
Mask-wearing is patriotic because it protects our economy, saves jobs and the livelihood of our fellow Americans, and also saves lives. Is mask-wearing irritating? Yes, it is in the way that obeying a stop sign at an intersection is annoying when you’re in a hurry. But as adults, we know this is the right thing to do. Yes, it definitely infringes on your rights because there is a cost to your time. But the trade-off is a gain when it comes to your, and your fellow Americans, safety. Mask-wearing is a lot like this.
When It Comes To Coronavirus Masks We Are United
This has been a very interesting year and not one that I had in mind when I thought about the possibilities for 2020. The losses have been awful for our country and when it comes to Coronavirus And My Family this has been a difficult time. Still, one thing that now gives me hope is that everyone from Governor Andrew Cuomo to Senator Marco Rubio support mask-wearing –that’s pretty amazing. Finally, there is something we can all easily agree upon.
Favorite Face Mask
When it comes to face masks, there are so many options. I have found this floral cotton mask to be one of my favorites.
Why Do You Wear A Mask?
I wear a mask to be patriotic and protect my fellow Americans. Why do you wear a mask?
laurie langley says
Absolutely wear a mask! Listen to the science! It just makes sense and I do not know why anyone, especially now, would refuse to wear one. However, on my last grocery store visit I saw some are still refusing, maybe have become complacent, or just don’t care. For that reason I hope masks will soon be mandated in every state. Stay healthy everyone. Right now we must add masks to the rest of our healthy habits.
Elana says
Laurie, agree with everything you’ve said here!
Tamara says
There are some holes in the rationale but considering all politicians are honest, fully transparent and humble people who never do anything to benefit themselves over others we can trust that all COVID information disseminated to the public is fully accurate and that using a porous mask instead of teaching people to take care of themselves and build their immune systems is definitely the best plan of action.
Elana says
Tamara, not sure why it would be mutually exclusive. Here on the blog I support healthy living which includes both wearing a mask and boosting the immune system.
Kaye says
I wear a mask because it is the respectful thing to do to protect my community. And I believe in science.
My American Sewing Guild Chapter has sewn almost 7000 masks so far. When my brother-in-law re-opened his bookstore, I made him a dozen masks to help rebuild our economy.
I would completely support national mandatory mask wearing.
Elana says
Kaye, whoa! Your chapter has made 7k masks? That is absolutely remarkable. Thank you!
Abby says
Wearing a mask is a social responsibility! As a medical professional, I know how important it is to wear a mask to protect myself from others and to protect them from me. I don’t think that people are taking the Pandemic seriously enough, as evidenced by observing people congregating in large numbers without masks. I, too, have lost someone close to me to COVID and know several people who have battled the disease. Please wear masks people!
Elana says
Abby, thank you for being on the front lines of this terrible battle. Appreciate you!
Judith L. says
Thank you Elana. I love the fact that I have learned about healthy cooking from you AND yet so much more. I have learned about healthy sleep, and supplements and illnesses, all in a format that makes it understandable and relevant. And now, when we have the biggest public health crisis of our century, I look to you for posts that will help me get through this time. I thought of you when I read the New York Times op-ed the other day entitled “Not wearing a mask is like driving drunk”. I’ve never met you but you feel like part of my family ; I go to your blog for delicious recipes and for help processing the surreal world we’re now living in. You’re remarkable.
Elana says
Judith, thanks for your support! I loved that article by Kristoff and am glad that you did too. I’m so happy we’re on this healing path together during this crazy time. Take care and stay safe!
Emily says
Elana, Thank you so much for that well written post explaining the importance of face masks. My family and I absolutely support wearing masks! It is the least I can do to protect the health of my fellow humans. Keep speaking out for what is right. I am so appreciative of your eloquence and positivity.
Elana says
Emily, thanks for your kind words, they mean so much to me :-)
Liesel says
So much YES to this whole post! Love your strong female voice in this “debate,” (although of course there should be no debate) and the resources you shared. It’s not political, nor should it have been politicized. We CAN agree on this with all the science and evidence among us and we must. Thanks for all you do, Elana :)
Elana says
Liesel, thanks for your comment, greatly appreciate it!
K2 says
Wearing a mask doesn’t mean I won’t ever get the virus but, if I’m lucky, it means I won’t get it at the same time as fifty thousand other people. And that gives me a better chance of survival.
If you say you’re not worried about catching the virus, then please wear a mask because I am.
Elana says
K2, couldn’t have said it better myself. Thank you.
Anna says
I appreciate your rosy perspective on the issue, but as a person living in Alaska, a state with Republican and furthermore libertarian majority, there is currently A LOT of non compliance, resistance and bull headedness around wearing masks. I hope it does get better as you have seen in your area. I don’t anticipate it will change any time soon around here.
Elana says
Anna, I’m so sorry to hear that, thanks for the update.
Anna says
Thanks Elana. I also realized that maybe my comment was taking some of my anger and frustration with the situation out on you. I appreciate you being brave and taking a stand for what you believe (and what I personally also think is the right thing to do.).
Elana says
Anna, I didn’t take it that way at all, you simply sound like a concerned citizen, which is what I am too :-)
Linda says
I think you should stick to your cooking and baking, NOT politics! I have been a Safety Officer for 20+ years; done more fit tests than I can remember, and the one thing I know for sure…masks are a joke on the general public. I can have my (WELL researched and educated opinion) choice and you can have yours. I come to see your wonderful recipes…hear about how you are doing. Hopefully, we can get back to that.
Elana says
Linda, thanks so much for sharing your opinion, Ii appreciate it! I’ve written over 1,000 healthy recipes here, and so will probably be focusing more on the aspects of healthy living like I do in this post, in the future. I’d be happy to show you how to use the search tools on the site so that you can find exactly what you’re looking for. Be well and take good care!
Sandra Wasserman says
Apparently your head is in the sand. About wearing masks. It is protection for you, your family and everybody else. Respect yourself and others, wear a mask when around other people. How would you like to be on a respirator and then die. Don’t think so. This is not political. Don’t be selfish and ignorant. Wear a mask whether you like it or not, just Incase. For your own protection.
Kathy in WV says
Linda….I agree with you 100% other than saying she should “stick to baking…”. We are all entitled to an opinion—-EVEN WHEN WRONG!!! lol. This scamdemic is the biggest hoax perpetrated on the people of the world and there is ample evidence that masks either do nothing at all or are, in fact, more harmful than beneficial. I thought at first it was all about the election and guaranteeing Trump was not re-elected but it goes beyond that to ushering in a one-world government and we, like sheep, obedient to a fault, fall in lockstep with this globalist agenda. I have unsubscribed from so many websites—I simply do not have time for this nonsense. I can find good recipes elsewhere.
Elana says
Kathy, thanks for sharing your opinion here. My family has lost loved ones to this terrible disease, COVID19, so I am in a position to tell you this is not a hoax.