Kaylin’s Take: I Wear My Mask For Three Reasons

Things are different whether we are happy with the current state of the world or not. At multiple times of the day, I see people turning the concert of wearing masks into a political thing.

"The government is trying to control us."

"Why are they allowed to tell us what to do? We live in a free country it violates our rights."

I'm not arguing whether that is the case or not, and while everyone is entitled to their own opinion - I wanted to share my point of view.

Masks, although inconvenient, aren't the worst thing that could come out of this entire pandemic. Think of it like this - you could still be stuck at home, not allowed to go anywhere and do anything. The country or state could be facing a travel ban, where law enforcement could fine you if you were to leave your house. Things could be much worse.

I wear my mask, and don't complain about it, for three reasons.

The first? It's pretty clear that you can pass the virus along whether or not you are displaying symptoms. Although I want to look out for myself, I want to look out for my loved ones as well. I haven't been tested for the virus, nor am I displaying symptoms, but that doesn't mean I don't have it. And I don't want to pass that along to another person.

Second, there's many people around me who I may not realize have medical issues. One of my co-workers could have a family member battling cancer. Or, my close friend could be taking care of an elderly parent or grandparent. I've been there with my grandfather, whom I choose to wear a mask around as well. Maybe the store associate your cashing out with has a child with a condition that affects their lungs, and they're working to keep food on the table. I'm wearing my mask for them.

And finally, I want our community to stay open. It breaks my heart that so many businesses have gone under because of COVID-19, and it breaks my heart that so many are struggling currently. I want to support them. I want our local economy to thrive and get back to the place where it was pre-this-insane-virus.

I wear my mask, ultimately, for others. We need to act with kindness, humility and be a community in times like these. Whether the virus is 'real' or 'not real' I'd rather be safe than sorry and protect as many as I can.

Let's look out for each other in a world that is so uncertain.