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| Wearing a mask, for most of us, is novel. But we need to wear masks in these days of COVID-19 to protect ourselves and the community. |
At lunchtime Saturday in the neighborhood, people were out and most were not wearing masks.
I
can’t say I was surprised. Even though Bohol has only 29 confirmed
cases of coronavirus disease, a lot of people have begun acting as if
the pandemic is over.
Wearing a mask, for most of us, is novel. So others are in "rebellion."
But,
yes, I'm wearing a mask in these days of COVID-19, to protect myself
and the community. Wearing a mask is a true sign of respect for others;
it's not an impingement on one’s freedom.
"I
wear a face mask for protection from the spread of the dreaded Covid-19
virus, " says Maria Fe Evasco, manager of the National Food Authority
(NFA)- Bohol.
For multi-awarded youth leader Clement Paulinel Ingking, coronavirus is real.
"Wearing
a mask isn’t only about protecting you or your family, but also it’s
about protect others that may die if they get the virus," says Clement
who is also a village councilman in Booy.
"This
isn’t a flu, it is real. Until you have actually taken care of those
patients in the ICU, you don’t even come close to imagining what they
are going through! The two main reasons I wear masks. There's some
evidence of protection for the wearer, but the stronger evidence is that
masks protect others from catching an infection from the person wearing
the mask. And infected people can spread the virus just by talking. So I
highly encourage everyone to wear a mask and please wear it properly, "
adds Clement.
Bohol's Baking Mama Leah Tirol-Magno says masks help stop the spread of coronavirus.
"I
wear mask because it is the right thing to do. I care for myself and I
care for others," says Leah, an educator- agri-entrepreneur.
Experts
say a key transmission route of COVID-19 is via droplets that fly out
of our mouths—that includes when we speak, not just when we cough or
sneeze. A portion of these droplets quickly evaporate, becoming tiny
particles whose inhalation by those nearby is hard to prevent.
I also know that homemade masks aren't as effective as surgical-grade PPE, but let's leave the PPE for medical people.
If you have extra money, you can buy a face shiled to protect you more when in public places.
I
am using face shield to protect myself when I'm in public places. I
think face shield provides better facial protection than masks, as well
as being reusable, breathable and more comfortable. It prevents me from
touching my face and makes it easier for me to communicate with others.
Meanwhile,
here' s a very short essay I've read on Facebook why wearing mask is
important. I don't know the original author is, but I think it's worth
to ponder.
I wear a mask 😷 in public,stand two meters apart from you and I wash my hands.
I want you to know that I respect you and that I could be asymptomatic and give you the virus.
No, I don't "live in fear" of the virus, I just want to be part of the solution, not the problem.
I don't feel like the "government controls me", I feel like I'm a responsible adult contributing to society.
The world doesn't revolve around me.
This virus does not know my race, color, age or any status.
Wearing
a mask and standing two meters apart doesn't make me paranoid, weak,
scared, stupid or even "controlled", it makes me caring and respectful.
I wear my mask to protect you.
You wear your mask to protect me.
We should all wear masks.
* * *
Thanks
for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at
leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.
