by Grace WildeDuring these turbulent times, controversy over how we must deal with illness is rabid. We all have our own opinion. Despite all the fighting, let’s all agree on the same harmless and important act. Wear a mask. It is not a political or religious movement/sign. Wearing a mask is likened to holding up an umbrella in the middle of a storm. Not only does it protect you from getting wet and cold. It also protects those whom you visit so that you don’t get them wet. The Coronavirus is that storm that is raging outside. Some choose to stay inside and wait it out. Some choose to put on their raincoat, rubber boots, hoody, and gloves and fight to pull people out of it. Others are likened to kids, jumping in the puddles, playclothes soaked to the brim. They play kicking the water and filling their boots. Which is the best act to protect you and others? Quarantine, research, finding a cure, wearing a mask, or being that naughty child playing in the rain not even bothering to hold that umbrella. I think as a community, we should do all the first three options. I have found peace in this choice. But yet, I know not all of you can do this. Many today are burdened with work, school, and events. I know I can’t convince you to do everything. It is so much more fun to play in the rainstorm and not have to worry. But, at least hold up your umbrella and stay out of the puddles. Wearing masks is a vital way to save the lives of others. What do masks do? Are they even helpful in preventing illness? The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has identified that, “Masks are recommended as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the mask coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice.” The University of California - San Francisco (UCSF) similarly states that, “An experiment using high-speed video found that hundreds of droplets ranging from 20 to 500 micrometers were generated when saying a simple phrase, but that nearly all these droplets were blocked when the mouth was covered by a damp washcloth...” Masks prevent others as well as ourselves from illness. Now to clarify, as “Some people have suggested that carbon dioxide from exhaling gets trapped under the cloth. Properly fitted masks offer adequate airflow while still covering your nose and mouth. This makes the accumulation of carbon dioxide impossible,” as stated by the University of Maryland. Wearing a mask is safe, healthy, and useful. Many people have the opinion that masks are useless. Look at our current state and rethink. As stated by the National Institutes of Health and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, “America’s COVID-19 death toll is expected to reach nearly 300,000 by December 1; however, consistent mask-wearing beginning today could save about 70,000 lives.” At this point we should try even if we do not think it helps. We do not know who will be affected next. Even if you will not die of illness yourself, this act saves the lives of others who will. Wear a mask, not for yourself, but for others. Masks, as the World Health Organization (WHO) states, “should be used as part of a comprehensive strategy of measures to suppress transmission and save lives.” But, if you are unable to take any further steps to prevent infection, take the simple step and wear a mask. This is even prevalent if you are not feeling ‘under the weather.’ According to University of California - Davis (UCDAVIS), “about two-thirds of the COVID-19 transmissions in the U.S. come from people not showing symptoms – either because their cases are asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic.” Wear a mask and you do not have to worry about being the cause of harmful illness to those you love. When should I do this? I don’t want to wear a mask all the time for the rest of my life. Don’t worry. The University of Maryland, “recommends that everyone wear a homemade mask when in public during the coronavirus pandemic,” especially, “in places where maintaining a distance of 6 feet or more from other people is difficult, such as the grocery store or pharmacies.” At home you can be together as a family stress free. Just wear one when you are out and about and need to take care of others. Who should wear a mask? The CDC states that to prevent infection, “all people 2 years of age and older wear a mask in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household.” Wearing a mask matters most during this time. You may have or require bypassing quarantine or social distancing, but at least do this little act. Be a hero we need during this time. Wear a mask, save a life! Works Cited
“COVID-19 FAQs for Health Professionals Updated Aug. 28, 2020.” health.ucdavis.edu/coronavirus/resources/covid-19-faqs-for-health-professionals.html “COVID-19: Considerations for Wearing Masks.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html “Q&A: Masks and COVID-19.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/q-a-on-covid-19-and-masks “Still Confused About Masks? Here's the Science Behind How Face Masks Prevent Coronavirus.” www.ucsf.edu/news/2020/06/417906/still-confused-about-masks-heres-science-behind-how-face-masks-prevent “Wearing a Mask: Myths and Facts.” www.umms.org/coronavirus/what-to-know/masks/wearing-mask “Masks Save Lives.” directorsblog.nih.gov/2020/08/25/masks-save-lives/ “New IHME COVID-19 Forecasts See Nearly 300,000 Deaths by December 1.” www.healthdata.org/news-release/new-ihme-covid-19-forecasts-see-nearly-300000-deaths-december-1
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On a MissionTwo passionate parents and their four children are excited to bring His Word to everyone in need while living a life of Gospel poverty as missionaries. They invite you to join them on a journey to encounter our global neighbors that Jesus commands us to love through works of charity and service. Archives
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