Failure to educate is not the fault of face masks

Good afternoon fellow COVID-19 fighters!

Thank you so so much to those of you who supported my petition. I will keep working on it to raise awareness around the false representation of face mask usage :)

For the past few days, I have dealt with a bunch of rude comments on Facebook saying that wearing face masks is useless for two main reasons: 1. They deny the scientifically-proven effects of surgical-standard or p2 masks. 2. They believe that masks should be reserved for the frontline workers. I thought it would be nice to express my thoughts on why am I running this petition and how I would rebut these claims.

The official and scientifically correct mode of COVID-19 transmission is through contact with bodily fluids which surgical masks are designed to block. The effect is shown in the cover image as countries which chose to use masks on a large scale display much more gradual curves. Even to those who doubt the effect of masks, there is still NO REASON to discriminate those who do! They are protecting themselves, as well as those around them. They have the right to feel safe in this pandemic. They have done Nothing Wrong.

Moving onto a widely held belief that masks should be reserved for frontline workers. I have no criticisms about it, and I sincerely believe that it is our responsibility to keep the healthcare workers safe. But advocating "mask-phobia" is not the right way to help it. Because the hate mask-wearers receive, hospital workers are NOT allowed to wear masks unless in contact with infected patients. When they interact with countless patients throughout the day, it is not safe to assume that these patients are all health persons in this special time. Imagine if one doctor has caught the virus, how large would his/her casual and close contact group be. We should break this stigma, so healthcare workers can wear their protective gear without being criticised for arousing fear. If face masks are worn correctly by the public, it would cut down on local transmission which ultimately lowers the pressure on the health care system with its workers. Therefore, it should have been a win-win situation.

What I have read today was shocking, Professor John Wilson publically stated that face masks should not be worn because people neglect other important safety measures. However, I DO NOT see this as a valid reason to stop people from wearing face masks. The government and media should work together to educate people on how to use and dispose masks properly, instead of terminating this medium of protection, accusing those who choose to protect themselves without access to usage instructions. Rules around how to use face masks are indeed more tangible than merely keeping a good social distance. There is no reason why our people can not learn how to use face masks, and not an excuse to advocate for no face masks. If a car is driven properly, there is no one who blames the invention of vehicles right? Why do this to face masks?

Above is my intension stated briefly to address a couple of things I encountered for the past few days. I want to support our brave frontline workers, and only once the stigma is removed, they can protect themselves via face masks if they wish. 

Once again thank you to those who supported this petition, your signature is more than appreciated. I will continue to combat the stigma around wearing face masks, so everyone can feel comfortable protecting themselves, whenever and however.

:)

Belinda