Why you still need to mask up

Even though the mask mandate has been lifted in Texas, you should still wear your mask in public spaces. In case you have forgotten, we are still in the mists of a global pandemic that has taken countless lives across the globe. 

Although cases of COVID-19 are down if people do not wear masks we could possibly see another spike in cases, which would eliminate all the hard work we have put towards the downfall of COVID. Do you really want another lockdown? Does sitting in the house all day, isolated from your friends and family, sound exciting?

Essential workers have no choice but to interact with the public every day, in order to put food on the table for their families. They can’t work from home, so they go to work every day hoping to stay COVID-free while encountering hundreds of people every day. Even if you don’t agree with wearing masks, you should still do it as a sign of respect. Wearing a mask in public shows that you value the safety of others because masks protect others around you more than they protect you. 

We have been in a pandemic for over a year now, and it is understandable that masks have become annoying and you are probably totally over them. But it is important to keep in mind that while they are not mandated in Texas, stores and businesses can still require you to wear a mask. If you don’t follow their guidelines they have the right to deny you business. 

If you don’t want to wear a mask because of your political stance, remember that you can’t vote out the politicians you don’t like if you’re dead. 

Admittedly, nobody likes to wear a mask. But if it saves just one person from death, then wearing it is worth it. Just be a nice, respectful person and wear your mask in public. It isn’t that hard and it keeps everyone safe, so hopefully one day we can eliminate COVID for good.