State and federal health officials recommend we wear a mask when out in public because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission,” according to the agency’s website.
CDC advises “the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and to help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.”
Some are taking that advice, some are not.
A Washington Post-University of Maryland Poll conducted last week found that 63% of those questioned were very or somewhat worried about becoming infected and getting seriously ill, while 36% were not too worried or not worried at all.
Perhaps those who are not worried are following the health guidelines, but more likely they believe they are low risk or at no risk so they may choose not to wear a mask or social distance.
I conducted an unscientific poll on Twitter and asked, “Do you wear a mask when you go out in public?” Out of 1,140 responses, 36% said always, 32% said
sometimes, and 32% said they never do.
For the record, I wear a mask when in public, and I am grateful to the still unidentified Monongalia County school teacher who made it for me. It is well-crafted of cloth with West Virginia University images on it.
The mask is primarily for health and safety, but during the pandemic they are more than just essential equipment.
People are creative and many are using their masks to express their individuality. They are making lemonade out of lemons. Good for them.
A mask also has symbolic value. Just a dove is a symbol of peace and a rose indicates love, the mask says that you are willing to do your part to protect not only yourself, but also the health and safety of others.
The mask says you take the pandemic seriously and while you may be anxious to get back out in public, you are cognizant of the harm the virus can cause to your loved ones and to your community.
You are willing to make a modest sacrifice.
I know some of you are just not going to wear a mask and others will think my idea of a mask being more than a face covering is fanciful. That’s OK. If most West Virginians believe wearing a face mask while in a crowded public area is the right thing to do, then the greater good will be served.
Hoppy Kercheval is a MetroNews anchor and the longtime host of “Talkline.” Contact him at hoppy.kercheval@wvradio.com.
