Why Shouldn’t I Wear A Mask?

By: Melody Rabor-Dizon

 

We all know it, we all heard it- wear a face mask when you go out so you will be protected. In the early days of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said healthy people didn’t need to wear face masks. But on April 3rd, the CDC issued a recommendation advising everyone to wear a cloth face mask or covering in public to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. There is even this viral video on you tube that shows how an infected person who supposedly either talks, sneezes or coughs can spread the virus and give it to the person easily without a mask with the use of black light. Not only is it proven but it is now mandated statewide requiring that all must wear face masks in any indoor public space, as well as outdoors if they can’t adhere to social distancing effective June 23rd.

SO WHY DO SOME PEOPLE REFUSE TO WEAR A FACE MASK IN PUBLIC?

One lady in San Diego claims because she is exempt from wearing one, showing off her medical card, to which there is no such thing. Under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), it says a person is not required to disclose their condition to anyone,” reads the card—which not only misspells “poses,” but also incorrectly names the Americans with Disabilities Act and references the “Freedom to Breathe Agency,” which again does not exist.

WHAT’S NEXT, PEOPLE?

WHY WOULDN’T YOU WEAR ONE, IF IT MEANS SAVING YOUR LIFE, YOUR LOVED ONES LIFE AND OTHER PEOPLE’S LIFE?

I wanted to dig deep behind the psyche of such rebellion? First off, cloth face coverings should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance,” according to the CDC. None of the health agencies specify any health conditions that would constitute a mask exemption—and some health professionals don’t believe these stated, unspecific exemptions for surgical masks or cloth face coverings are necessary. “There are no known medical conditions aside from a severe skin condition [like a very severe burn that needs medical attention] on your face that would prevent a person from wearing this type of mask. If you’re one of the follow-the-rules type of a person, the mere sight of someone not wearing a mask in public will get you upset. Here you are taking every single precaution you can, yet there are others who doesn’t have a care in the world. This creates fear, resentment then anger per psychiatrists.

How come one person behave differently than others given the same risks?

Confusing messages, earlier on the outbreak, when officials were still unsure if people should wear a mask or not, the message lost its credibility when people were given mixed signals. People want to believe what is most appealing to them especially when presented with facts and reason behind it, people are more likely to adhere to it.

Denial – is a powerful defense mechanism. Somehow, even I, wants to wake up from this horrible nightmare. Many of us still can’t believe that in a blink of an eye, everything changed. So when the depth and seriousness of the situation is something that we cannot cope with, it is harder to even follow what we ought to be doing.

Control – not wearing a mask somehow puts the person in the front seat, somewhat in control of the situation.

They don’t want to be team players – some people have a sense of elitism, narcissist traits, or a better-than-others kind of self-image, per psychiatrists. This is largely due to defense mechanisms also—born of fear and feeling cut off from others. Some mask refusers see the issue only in terms of their comfort and safety; out of thoughtlessness or selfishness, they don’t understand that wearing a face mask can prevent the virus from spreading not just to them but to their family members and community as well. So if they don’t care about the welfare of others, it’s likely that they have deep insecurities where they have difficulty feeling compassion for themselves and exercising self-care

LET’S WEIGH IN

Should you wear a mask at the grocery store? Yes. Often, it’s difficult to maintain social distancing while shopping at a store. While you should wear a mask to protect others, you’ll also want to have a list with you to decrease the time you’re in there. It’s not a perfect fix, but it does help a lot. Be purposeful while you’re there. Should you wear a mask while driving? If you are in the car by yourself or with members of your household, there’s no reason to wear a mask. However, keep a mask in your car should the need arise- gas stop, potty break. Should you wear a mask in your own home? There’s no need to wear one in your own home. Unless someone comes into your home, then both you and they should be masked.

Should you wear a mask while visiting a friend’s home? Right now, I wouldn’t visit a friend’s home. If I do go visit a friend, [but] we sit outside six feet apart or I wear a mask. I will be protecting us both. Should you wear a mask at the doctor’s or dentist’s office? If I were to go in, I’d definitely wear a mask. In some places, they have new practices in place, like they ask you to wait in your car until it’s your time to come in. Things can be done to reduce the risks. I would postpone my routine visits.

Should you wear a mask while getting your hair or nails done? Yes, you should wear a mask. But I don’t think you should be going to get your hair or nails done right now. I survived the covid look. It’s the new fashion.

Should you wear a mask during a walk, run, or bike ride outside? You have to look at the density of where you are. So, this depends: If no one is around, there’s no need. But if it is a crowded park, then yes. Regardless, always have a mask with you. I’m less worried when it’s an aerated place.

Should you wear a mask if you have to take public transportation? Yes, yes, yes. Wear a mask, especially on public transportation. And watch where you’re putting your hands, and be careful to avoid touching your face.

There are no medical conditions that would preclude someone from wearing a simple surgical or cloth face mask, because both masks have “no effect on respiratory mechanics.” According to pulmonologists, if you are having trouble breathing while wearing a cloth or surgical mask, you may not be wearing it correctly. And if you can’t find a face masks that feels comfortable, using a face shield that drops down below the level of the chin as an alternative. “Theoretically, the shield would also stop the droplets from being dispersed and from landing on the person’s face. However, the mask is essentially functioning as a shield, not as a filter. The bottom line: There is no official guidelines on who would be exempt from wearing a face mask— and that it’s more important to worry about how to wear a face mask, rather than who may or may not have to. Education is the key on proper usage rather than exemption from such simple and effective device to keep them and others safe,”

And if your respiratory status is truly that tenuous that you’re not able to breathe through a cloth face covering, you should stay home and not expose yourself to any risk. WEAR YOUR MASK PLEASE.