I havent been around Agassiz and Harrison as much as Id like to be. Given a worldwide pandemic, I can scarcely be blamed.<\/p>\n
When I am out and about in Chilliwack or in Agassiz and Harrison, I frequently wear a mask. I admit I still feel a healthy mix of silly and shady whenever I don it, but I still do it anyway.<\/p>\n
Its true that I dont have the ideal N95 mask most commonly reserved for those on the front lines of the coronavirus fight. However, what I do have is a decent, additional shield in the event I carry COVID-19 and I sneeze, cough or, as Trudeau infamously put it, talk moistly. Ive been fortunate enough not to get sick during this time, but its better to be safe.<\/p>\n
RELATED: EDITORIAL: What were we talking about again?<\/p>\n
The effectiveness of wearing masks that fall short of the N95 standard has been the subject of debate and controversy since COVID-19 first emerged. Sometimes its recommended, sometimes it isnt. Some say its effective, others arent as sure. There are some who strictly view it as a symbol of government oppression, but I have neither the time nor patience to give the notion a further platform when the greater good is at stake.<\/p>\n
In addition to curbing my ongoing nervous habit of touching my face (a vice only aggravated by the recent addition of a full beard), wearing a mask helps prevent respiratory droplets from slipping out of my various orifices and onto unsuspecting and unwilling bystanders.<\/p>\n
Gross.<\/p>\n
Its not perfect. We all know that. But wearing a mask is just another weapon in the arsenal in the fight against COVID-19. Until and even for some time after a vaccine is developed, we need all the help we can get.<\/p>\n
Wearing a mask is more than just practical. To me, having a mask on sends a message says Hey, I dont know if Im carrying any illness, but I care enough about you that I dont want to risk making you sick. Stay strong, were getting there.<\/p>\n
RELATED: EDITORIAL: Camera wars are still unproductive<\/p>\n
Ive said it before, and I may end up saying it again soon I find social media shaming to be ineffective and counterproductive in a vast majority of cases, perpetuating an addiction to the illusion of power that is both toxic and false. Please refrain from shaming those who choose not to wear a mask on social media.<\/p>\n
If someone is perhaps standing a bit close to you, I dont think its out of the question or impolite to gently remind them to continue distancing. Unlike elsewhere, here in the Fraser Valley, I find it possible to do that without fear of people getting offended, screaming their throats raw about personal freedom and retaliating by coughing on you.<\/p>\n
I cant order you to wear a mask, nor do I intend to. Youre, I assume, a mature person. I would, however, recommend it. Its an additional step that could slow the spread of COVID-19 even further. Even if it only affects one other person, its worth it.<\/p>\n
To those of you who have made masks to sell or give to others, carry on. Youre doing great work and your contributions absolutely matter. Be proud.<\/p>\n
To all of you, kindly wear a mask. Keep washing your hands. Keep your distance. At the very least, its just the polite thing to do.<\/p>\n
adam.louis@ahobserver.comLike<\/a> us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter <\/p>\n Want to support local journalism during the pandemic? Make a donation here.<\/p>\n BC OpinionsCoronavirus<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Read the original: <\/p>\n EDITORIAL: Why I wear a mask and you should, too Agassiz Harrison Observer - Agassiz-Harrison Observer<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I havent been around Agassiz and Harrison as much as Id like to be. Given a worldwide pandemic, I can scarcely be blamed. Continue reading