EDITORIAL: Wearing a mask is vital to preventing the coronavirus spread

Masks work. For those who think they don’t, why do you think doctors and nurses have worn them for 150 years in hospitals? I wonder if those who don’t wear them also drive around at night with their headlights off, or doubt the efficacy of condoms as well.

The cdc has flipped their recommendations multiple times now on this, first masks don't help, then they do kinda help, then only at risk or potentially sick wear one! We are getting worn out by all this, it’s personal choice, I guess I could say my body my choice..... never thought I’d say that.

Wearing a mask in public when distancing is not practical reduces the risk that the wearer, who may be infected but asymptomatic, will spread the virus through a cough or a sneeze. I realize that thinking of how our actions affect others runs counter to the Trump/Breitbart/Infowars mindset of so many in this country, but it is the prudent approach in this case.

"EDITORIAL" - an article in a newspaper or other periodical or on a website presenting the OPINION of the publisher, writer, or editor.

Everyone has an opinion on this. Please try to respect both sides here. We are all in this together, and just because someone disagrees with your view does not make them dense or less woke or any of that nonsense.

We all have differing lives and circumstances that have led to our opinions. I tend to agree with Ms. Ross. I've worked and stayed alive and healthy through this entire fuss, all while only wearing a mask when donating blood to the Red Cross.

By the way, the last paragraph is a nice summation.

-- Posted by Keith Morse on Tue, Jun 30, 2020, at 6:03 AM

We realize that thinking of how the actions of protestors burning, murdering, beating defensless elderly people and destroying property that hurt others runs counter to the Biden/Pelosi/CNN/Morse mindset of democrats in this country.

But democrats wearing masks at protests to cover the face of the criminals is prudent?

Hospital workers wear N95 masks that must be custom fitted to them and still prevent 95% of germs, bacteria and viruses from trasmission.

95% is a great number but not even 100% for the highest quality, custom fitted mask only available to professional medical people.

"it’s personal choice, I guess I could say my body my choice....."

As long as you never breathe then, yes, it's your personal choice. But as soon as you breathe or talk then you are invading someone else's personal space. And I'm guessing that you can get tested all the time to make sure that you are not a carrier, right? We don't even know what this disease does yet and we certainly don't have a cure, much less a real treatment. Until then what is the problem with wearing a mask to protect yourself and others? Are we not all in this together?

Nearly all viruses have no cure so we certainly will not have a cure for this one.

There are a tremendous number of treatments to Covid and some have been very successful. As the number of cases rise, the number of deaths is slowed.

Do you wear a mask during the regular flu? Are we not all "in this together" when the regular flu occurs? Are you not concerned for the children who die at much higher rates from the regular flu (166 this past year) than from Covid (I can only find 6 deaths so far)? From the CDC web site last week: "For children (0-17 years), cumulative COVID-19 hospitalization rates are much LOWER than cumulative influenza hospitalization rates at comparable time points* during recent influenza seasons."

Will you wear a mask for the rest of your life to protect innocent children from the common flu?

I will tell you what the problem is Kristin. Mask deplete my oxygen intake and they are seldom cleaned by those who chose to wear the ridiculous things! Please do not tread on my liberty and choices. If you are so afraid of this scamdemic stay at home with the rest of the folks filled with fear. I choose to live my life and not concern myself with this virus that so many believe is deadly to anyone who has it. I don't trust a word from the government, scientist or doctors as they all have different opinions and want their 15 minutes of fame. Time to get back to work or this country we all love will wither on the vine. JMHO

Yes, I will most likely wear a mask the rest of my husband's life to protect him from Covid 19. It's that important!

Good for you Kristin. Your choice and no one will deny you that. But I agree with wolf, don't try to force your stance on others. I am in the throws of chemotherapy, and I dont expect ANYONE to wear a mask in my presence nor will I wear one. My choice just as wearing one is yours.

How can a damp, warm piece of cloth protect anyone, wearer or bystander. I just see incubators when I see masks. Air is being inhaled and exhaled through the moist patch. If pathogens are trapped, they're growing! How does this help anyone?

No, but I would and do allow them to interact with me at an office visit without one.

The division between pro and anti-mask wearers mirrors the political division between pro and anti Trump supporters. Again, the quest to convince people to wear masks when appropriate is admirable but ultimately quixotic.

Yes, a magical piece of fabric will allow you to save millions. You will be a "Superhero". This Editorial was clearly written by a delusional person with a "Superhero" fantasy they want to play out in the real world.