MASKS: Resistance unwarranted

Now that President Trump himself, as well as his Surgeon General, have publicly announced their support for wearing masks, I would hope many of those who have been reluctant might come on board. But I still hear a lot of misconceptions in their arguments against masking. Many cite scientific studies that say cloth masks do very little to reduce your chance of contracting a virus. That may be true, but THAT’S NOT THE PURPOSE OF THE MASK.

The mask is to prevent the person wearing it from SPREADING THE VIRUS, and studies say masks are very effective at that. Which is why every surgeon in the world wears a mask when they operate. Not to avoid catching something, but to avoid passing something to their patients. It has already been shown that many people with COVID-19 do not show any symptoms, especially young people who are overwhelmingly the largest group of carriers in our area.

That’s why businesses don’t want you to enter without a mask. Because when you cough or sneeze or touch your face or even clear your throat, you spread germs, and the coronavirus can live on various surfaces for several hours. Covering your mouth and nose reduces that a great deal.

Others cite an infringement of their personal liberty. “You can’t make me,” they cry. That’s what a child says when they throw a tantrum. Wearing a mask is like using a turn signal. It protects those around you. Please, just wear a mask. Thank you.

RICHARD MONTGOMERY

Coeur d’Alene