I know it’s radical, but stay with me. Yes, wearing a mask looks alien. I’d go so far as to say it looks bad. Like something is wrong. We’re not used to seeing people wearing masks in public. But something IS wrong, we have a growing pandemic. And anything we can do to slow it down, is helpful. Even if we look silly in the process.
What’s my rationale? Glad you asked.
First, people can be infected, and not have symptoms. As the story of a choir rehearsal where 45 of the 60 who attended got infected and two died, clearly shows. They practiced social distancing but someone was contagious and didn’t know it. That’s why even if we have no symptoms, unless we’ve been isolated for two weeks, we should all assume we could be contagious. While feeling great you can s still be spewing the virus, unknowingly. A mask helps us keep any potential infection to ourselves.
Second, we know the virus is spread via liquid droplets created by coughing and sneezing, but now they’re finding that our body creates even tinier, virus-laden flecks while we are speaking, laughing or singing. These smaller particles don’t drop to ground but hover around longer and can be breathed in by others. The way to solve the problem of “asymptomatic transmission” is to wear a mask. A mask keeps more of the virus out of the air, and prevents the silent spread.
But Eva, there’s a mask shortage and all the masks should go to health workers.
Absolutely true. And they can have them. But we can all make our own. There are tens if not hundreds of youtube.com tutorials showing DIY face masks, even without a sewing machine, or only using stuff in your closet.
The reason I’m advocating for universal masking is that I think lots of employers don’t want their public-facing employees wearing masks because they’re concerned it will turn off customers. Which is totally valid. But that’s why we all have to change our minds regarding masks, we need to see them as a symbol of social responsibility and caring for customers and employees. If both customers and employees wear them, they won’t carry a stigma, and we’ll be helping each other stay healthy.
And it’s not forever. This too shall pass.
©Copyright Eva Del Rio
Eva Del Rio is creator of HR Box™ – tools for small businesses and startups. Send questions to Eva@evadelrio.com
