Sincere Questions of a Mask Skeptic
I have some sincere questions. I don’t think I am the only one with these questions. I am honestly seeking answers. If you cannot answer thoughtfully and respectfully, please move along. Feel free to answer any or all. My intent is not to argue and I promise to consider all thoughtful replies.
The reason you insist on everyone wearing a mask is that wearing a mask keeps us safe from COVID-19. It stops the spread, both of infecting others and being infected. This is the reasoning, is it not?
Doesn’t this mean that those who are wearing a mask are safe from both giving and receiving the virus?
And if you are safe, why are you worried and upset by those who do not wear a mask? Aren’t the mask wearers safe in spite of the unsafe practices of people who do not wear masks?
If you are not safe, in other words, if wearing a mask doesn’t really work, then why do you wear one?
Either it works or it doesn’t, no?
Are the masks people are wearing adequate to prevent the intrusion or expulsion of the virus? What about wearing a bandana or a form of woven cloth? Are most people wearing face protection that is woefully inadequate to both keep out and keep in COVID-19? If these homemade and inadequate masks do not work, why do you feel comfortable with people wearing these inadequate masks? Why don't you insist they put on a "real" mask? Are the masks you are wearing yourself sufficient to protect you and others from the virus? If not, why are you wearing it?
And if we are just dealing with probabilities of preventing the spread of COVID-19, “wearing a mask cuts down the chances of giving or receiving the virus”, then why are you only concerned with deaths caused by COVID-19? If life is so precious to you, why only limit your concern to the virus? Isn’t life filled with risk? This is why, I think, anti-mask wearers feel the pro-mask wearers are inconsistent or selective. Is death by COVID-19 somehow worse than death by an automobile accident, or having another type of flu, or lung cancer from smoking, or heart disease or the multitude of way people die statistically more than by COVID-19? Why be so concerned about stopping the spread of COVID-19 and ignore all the other ways people suffer and die? Why not be equally concerned with other ways people die and do all you can to prevent these deaths with the same passion and ardor?
If practicing social distancing, that is staying at least 6 feet apart, hinders or prevents the giving and receiving of the virus, then why do you insist everyone wears a mask and practice social distance?
If social distancing doesn’t prevent the spread of the virus, then why insist upon it? And if wearing a mask keeps you safe, then why bother practicing and insisting that everyone have a safe social distance?
If wearing a mask keeps the mask wearers safe, aren’t the only people who are at-risk the people who don’t wear a mask? Why can’t the non-mask wearers hijack the mantra of pro-choice advocates and claim, “My body, my choice?”
Do you honestly believe those who do not wear masks are mentally ill, stupid, selfish, or rebellious?
Why aren't basic hygiene practices adequate such as covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze?
Is there really no health risks to wearing a mask for extended periods of time or during strenuous exercise?
I'm notice many people have a mask hanging from their rear view mirror. I assume these are being used over and over again. Isn't it dangerous to continue to use a mask over and over again that has the presence of germs that you have pulled into it or breathe out to it? Don't health professionals change their masks each time they use one? Why are you not more adamant against multiple mask user violations?
I also want to know why people insist masks should be worn outside, in the fresh air and sunshine and open water such as a lake, river, or ocean? Is COVID-19 so powerful that it can live and spread under these conditions?
Why advocate to close down the beaches or insist people wear a mask on a beach?
Why do people wear masks in their car?
Why do people wear masks out on a walk with little to no one around? I see this a lot while driving.
Why do they close parking in places like Elizabeth Park in Hartford and make people park on the street? How does that help stop the spread? People just park on the street and walk into the park. What has that solved?
If you are just going to insult, name-call, be sarcastic, I will delete what you write. I am asking for thoughtful, intelligent, and mature pro-mask people to respond. I think more and more people are asking these types of questions. I know I am.
