We must wear masks

We got caught with our pants down. Well, at least the government did. By now many people can surmise that officials neither acted fast enough, nor properly for that matter, when becoming aware of the threat of the COVID-19 virus. We have a quick spreading crisis that may have been avoided or at least minimized if we had been more responsive. By the way, I realize I was supposed to finish yesterdays topic today, but something I listened to made it necessary to address another topic first. I will continue yesterdays post tomorrow.

So response was not quick enough, and now we are struggling to find enough cooperation to keep this thing from getting worse. What I listened to yesterday was a you tube video of woman from the Czech Republic saying that there is a very effective way to stop the spread of the virus. They don't have a problem with this pandemic the way that most other countries do. She states that they have done all of the same things that most others are doing in social distancing, washing hands, staying at home, closing businesses, and such but there is a difference. The difference is that if anyone must leave their home, they are required to wear a mask. By doing this, they are preventing anyone who may have the virus without knowing it, from spreading it. Here is the link so you can see the video yourself:

 

How to Significantly Slow Coronavirus? #Masks4All - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhNo_IOPOtU
Mar 27, 2020 · A KEY ARGUMENT FOR USING HOMEMADE MASKS: Homemade masks are partly effective in individual protection, but they are essential for slowing the spread of the virus in the population....

Since it has been determined that the transmission of this type of virus happens through water droplets (a cough, a sneeze, a gleek, etc), a mask does not allow them to be spread. If a sick person cannot contaminate a surface unless they get water droplets on it, the threat is kept in the mask. A better reason not to be spreading any type of illness by being as cautious as possible is, right now there are no hospitals or clinics that can handle treating common illnesses like the flu or pneumonia due to the focus on COVID-19 patients. A mask can be anything that acts as a barrier. We really do not need filters and respirator type masks, just something that prevents water droplets. Some people are making their own, and some are making them to donate. We can have a huge impact by simply taking the time to put a mask on if we have to go anywhere for anything. It is really not enough, with what is going on, to just sneeze into your elbow, or to cover your mouth when coughing. I personally feel that we will get over this quickly if we all follow along. We must bring this to the attention of our elected officials to make it a requirement to wear a mask, at all times, when you have to go somewhere.

I realize that media has been reporting that masks are not going to help you. The reports say that it only helps if you are sick to not spread it. I am not sure why this has been said, but it is not accurate. A person can have this virus long before they know it, and be spreading it too. It makes perfect sense that if a person does not know they are sick, they are not going to wear a mask if they are told it does not help. We may not be able to completely prevent getting the virus by wearing a mask, but it sure is better than having no protection right? Preventing the spread of water droplets is the goal here. If everyone does this, it makes transmission nearly impossible.

We have been given the opportunity to respond and show that we can be trusted. We are being asked to be respectful, and act humanely by following restrictions and requests. If we can't get over this threat, the likelihood is that we will have a harder grip placed on our lives. Let's keep our freedom, and our rights by doing the right thing. It is time to stop being embarrassed, or offended, or judgemental. We are all affected by this the same way. Not one person is suffering more than any other from the restrictions placed on us. We will be burdened less, and get through this quicker if we all do as we should. Wearing a mask can give a lot of different feelings, but it is better than Marshal Law in my opinion. We must keep our choices available by making better ones now. Please pass the word on to help everyone understand that masks really can be the answer to ending this crisis. Do your part and I will do mine, and before we know it, life will be normal again (well in general anyway). God bless us all.