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?
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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?
Becky says
I was quite saddened to see that your usually thoughtful and inquisitive nature has been blunted by the falsehood that BLM is a worthy organization. They make no secret of the fact that they are Marxists and that their intent is to tear down the very fabric, cultural and economic and spiritual and societal, of our cherished and unique republic. And replace it with what? The absurd, destructive and failed Seattle CHAZ zone showed us clearly. They terrorized local residents, demanding food and prohibiting access with barriers. They established their own “security” force whilst demanding that City police be defunded. Two shooting deaths and multiple injured was the outcome, and until the violence reached the neighborhood where Seattle’s Democrat mayor lives, she did nothing to stop any of it.
I listened to a video of BLM leader speaking in a park in New York City. She said women were being killed in America … patriarchy in America is killing women as surely as “white supremacy” killed George Floyd. That America is killing black and brown people and it must be torn down. These are patently absurd claims, which she followed by leading people in the chant, “F* America!” Another BLM leader, a woman named Patrice, stated in an interview, “We are trained Marxists.”
With all respect, it is clear that the current pandering to BLM by corporations and organizations and individuals is only stoking, with billions of dollars now fueling the BLM machine, the very division and destruction you write prettily about in your post. Money donated to BLM will find its way into the most powerful and direct channels of power, and right now, in terms of alignment with BLM’s hateful, racist agenda, that is the Democratic Party. The DNC would openly slide the obviously senile Biden out and his (but really the DNC’s) VP pick in as soon as feasibly possible if the election were won by them. Choosing a black female VP obviously is pandering as an office of that gravity should be held by the capable, not those with certain melanin or sexual organs.
I sense that you are not easily deceived, but also that your intelligence and emotion are waging a little battle right now. Please be informed as widely as possible. BLM is a huge threat to America. They are Marxists and terrorists.
Elana says
Becky, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts here. My intelligence and emotion are completely aligned when it comes to BLM –I support equality for women, black and brown people and will keep working on this issue until we have achieved justice for all. It’s pretty basic.
Kelly Feeney says
I’d take issue with the words “cherished and unique republic”. It may have felt like a republic to white people, but it has never functioned that way for Black people who have been denied access to housing, jobs, education, and voting rights. Black people are disproportionately arrested, imprisoned, and murdered by police. Black Lives Matter was founded by Black people to fight police brutality and anti-Blackness after the deaths of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown. It has no connection to the DNC.
Elana says
Kelly, thanks for your comment. One other point to add for those worried about socialism, Marxism, etc., is that unfortunately we are not a country with a free-market capitalist economy. We spend billions of dollars on socialist tax cuts for corporations. In fact, this administration defunded the CFPB so that it can no longer protect our military heroes from huge predatory loan-sharking companies that locate their businesses right next to military bases. This is a failure. The chasm between the rhetoric of the Republican party in standing up for the average working person in this country while doling out money to the wealthy is an absolute disgrace.
Alayna says
Elana,
I love your blog, your recipes and your willingness to take a stand. It’s clear you are not only educated, but very practical and level headed. It’s so sad wearing a mask has people questioning their freedom. Thank you for using your voice and taking all the comments with grace!
Elana says
Alayna, thanks for your kind words, I really appreciate them.
Eka says
I’m sure all the doubters here will gladly have their dentists breathing straight into their mouths at their next cleaning. It’s stunning to me how people have been shepherded into believing the entire world is engaged in some sort of complicated mass hoax. Except apparently Sweden opted out and Japan decided to deflate instead of inflate their case numbers? And oh wait, Dick Cheney is in on it too now with his mask-wearing social media posts! Talk about “sheep.” Sold a conspiracy theory based on their wishful thinking that this tragedy is not actually occurring. And your colors particularly show when you’re openly rude and dismissive to a woman who is universally respectful of your intolerance in her replies while also having personally lost a loved one. It’s profoundly sad that we have normalized this type of behavior on the Internet.
Elana says
Eka, thanks very much for your support, I appreciate it. I don’t usually take comments personally, but when people come to my blog and claim a death in our family is a hoax, that’s just a bit much. I hope you and yours stay safe :-)
Jennifer says
Thank you for wearing a mask. Not for yourself, for my child with a compromised immune system, my 12 year old niece recovering from bone cancer, my mom who is a front line health care worker, my neighbor who is a doctor, my dad who is struggling with a compromised immune system, my friend who owns a restaurant and follows guidelines to stay open, and all those seemingly healthy individuals who unknowingly are at risk. Everyone wearing a mask is wearing it to protect someone else whether they know them or not, whether they think it works or not. Selfless, thank you…
Elana says
Jennifer, I wear my mask for you, all of your loved ones, and everyone else as well.
Lori says
Elana,
I really miss your recipes. I’m so sick of the politics and social responsibility morning, noon and night. Cooking is a great escape for me and your site is becoming just like watching the news all day. This is way too much.
Thanks,
Lori
Elana says
Lori, thanks for sharing your opinion here. I have over 1,000 recipes on the site and would be happy to help you find whatever it is you’re looking for :-)
Nancy says
Thanks for your continued advocacy. I do wear a mask when I go out, but that has (unfortunately) been only a handful of times in the past 4 months. My age and preexisting health conditions are causing me to be extra cautious. It seems that in Florida (not just in Palm Beach County) the majority of people still don’t wear masks. Our governor is a Trump devotee, so follows that reckless disregard for the dangers of COVID.
Elana says
Nancy, thanks for your comment and understand what you’re going through. People are still claiming, right here on my blog, that Covid19 is a hoax. That is very tough to hear after what our family has been through, as I discuss here:
https://elanaspantry.com/losing-a-loved-one-to-covid/
Take good care and stay safe!
Elana
Tammy says
Couldn’t agree with everything in your article more. Thanks for spreading the good word for people to wear masks on your website/blog. It makes so much sense for everyone to help the spread. This is not political it is common sense.
Elana says
Tammy, totally in agreement with you!
Peggy says
Blah, blah, blah. Masks impair the immune system. We need to be exposed to “germs” in order to stay healthy. Wearing masks will be like taking antibiotics and no probiotics.
Elana says
Peggy, thanks so much for your comment. If this is the case then we would be harming our front line health heroes. However, every single doctor I know, both alternative and conventional recommends mask-wearing. So sad that this misinformation is spreading when we could wear masks to save jobs and lives.
Carol Torresson says
Thanks for such an eloquently written post on wearing masks and reasons for doing so. My commute to work is 1.8 miles on a 30mph road which equates to a very slim chance of having a life threatening accident but I wear my seatbelt every time. Why? Because if there is even a slight chance that this one simple act could save my life it would be stupid not to. I wear a mask because even if there is the smallest chance that I can protect myself, my family, my Type 1 Diabetic daughter, my neighbor, my coworkers . . . it would be stupid not to. Thanks for all that you do and stay safe!
Elana says
Carol, thanks so much and stay safe!
Kathy says
It’s your blog – you can say whatever you want. I’d prefer not to spend the rest of my life behind a mask.
Elana says
Kathy, thanks for sharing your opinion here, appreciate it. Wearing a mask seems like a fairly small sacrifice when it comes to saving jobs and saving lives.