Who is that Masked Man?

1 April, 2020

Zoro, The Incredibles, Batman and Robin, The Lone Ranger. These are all heroes from TV shows and movies that saved the day. These heroes also wore masks to protect their identity. Today we have heroes amongst us that wear masks to protect themselves. These heroes are the doctors and nurses, fireman and EMT personnel. We don’t call to unmask them. In fact, we want to ensure that there are enough masks and PPE to get them through this healthcare crisis. The only reason to unmask them is to recognize them, and laud them with praise and gratitude for the incredible and essential work they perform.

Are you a modern day hero? Are you doing your part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19? Are you adhering to social distancing and self-isolation orders? Are you a “Masked Man”? Should you be showing your face for recognition?

Is the answer, “It depends”? It seems like the recommendations we hear on the news change on a weekly basis. It depends on your condition as to whether you should wear a mask to protect yourself from the virus. High risk individuals, such as Seniors, those with compromised immunity systems, those that are sick with the common cold or flu, are instructed to wear a mask to mitigate the chances of contracting the virus. To be effective, these masks need to be of medical quality masks or N95 masks that are used in industry. What about those of us that are not first responders, do we need to wear a mask?

It appears that the current telegraphing of a directive from our government is that they are not yet recommending that everyone wear a mask, but the underlying message from the infectious disease experts is that wearing a mask may help stop the transmission of this deadly virus. However, the government is hedging their bets by not saying the inevitable, in an effort to ensure that there are enough masks available to protect our first responders. So what can we do on our own? I say we should all wear masks. Albeit, the homemade variety. Why, because you may be asymptomatic. It will prevent droplets from entering the air because you are blocking their transmission. Use a bandana, a homemade mask, anything to prevent your droplets from entering the air. While these homemade masks won’t protect you from the virus, it will protect those around us. But remember, Don’t Touch Your Face!

Be a “Masked Man”. Be a hero. Help protect others around you by covering your face.

Stay Happy and Healthy!