Why Face Masks Are A Necessity and Not for Luxury

Face masks have become one of those things we need to check on our list before going out. Once we have realized that we have forgotten our masks at home, we find ourselves rushing back or making a U-turn to get them.

Unfortunately, there are some people who are totally against putting on a face mask and do not believe it is necessary. I honestly do not know if these same people realize that we are going through a global pandemic right now. Currently in America, face masks have become so politicized that it’s quite shameful and irritating to watch. I am yet to understand how a develop country such as America became so anti-science, would rather believe and listen to conspiracy theories than facts from Public health and Medical Professionals.

Face masks are important in stopping the spread of the virus from one person to another. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a lot of individuals with coronavirus are asymptomatic, that is, they lack symptoms and that even those who eventually develop symptoms can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. [1] Which means that people interacting close to each other, even if those that are not showing any symptoms, can spread the virus. [1] Therefore putting on a face mask, be it medical or cloth, is not just to protect you but to protect others while in public settings.

In some countries, face masks have become mandatory and I applaud this effort. In Cameroon, anyone caught with no face masks, pays a fine of 6000 FRS. Face masks are a health safety issue and not political nor luxury. Please, if you do not value your life, others do. Respect the lives of others especially those who are vulnerable and have underlying health issues. Always put on your face masks and keep your distance while out.

References

1. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). (2020). Retrieved 19 June 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html