I tuned in April 28 to Ohio Gov. DeWine’s briefing to learn why Ohio had changed its stance on face masks and coverings from “mandatory” to “recommended best practice.” His explanation falls way short.
The governor offered two explanations, both based on feedback he received from constituents in the hours after his original pronouncement.
- Masks are offensive to some, who don’t like the government telling them what to do.
- Masks can be problematic for people with disabilities.
Models show that if 80 percent of people wear masks that are 60 percent effective, easily achievable with cloth, we can get to an effective R0 of less than one. That’s enough to halt the spread of the disease.
One of the things we absolutely must do to combat the spread of COVID-19 is to wear masks or other facial coverings when at work or in public. While there are studies that question the ability of masks to protect people from the virus, we are not wearing masks to protect ourselves from catching COVID-19.
We are wearing them to protect others from us spreading COVID-19 to them. Thus, if everyone covers their face in public, we will protect everyone by limiting the spread of this virus. It’s just that simple, not difficult to comprehend, and not an affront to personal liberty.
So here’s my bottom line. Anyone who refuses to wear a mask in public because it’s offensive is selfish, thoughtless and doesn’t give a damn about the well being of their fellow humans, period.
I’ll be continuing to wear my mask when around others in public. I sincerely hope that for the well being of all others, you will too.