EDITOR’S NOTE: There has been a great deal of discussion about face masks – to wear one or not? And this recent post by my friend Romy Carver hit a bullseye. Stop judging, stop bullying, and start respecting others. We are wearing masks to protect others. If you are in the vulnerable population, please don’t think that wearing a mask provides you “protection”. It doesn’t. You should still be staying home to stay healthy. But if you must go out, please wear a mask. To the vulnerable populations – did you know there’s a volunteer group standing by ready to run your errands? See the link at the end for more about the Tillamook County COVID-19 Volunteer Group. That’s what has concerned me the most about the “wear face masks” order, some saw it as safety and an “okay” for them to go out. It’s not. It is a call to everyone else to wear a face mask to prevent spreading it further. And it’s likely that face masks are going to become part of our “regular” wardrobe, so get used to it. Grocery stores are beginning to require face masks. Think of it this way, you might save a life. The BEST way to continue to flatten the curve is to limit your trips and errands, wear a face mask and stay home to stay healthy.
By Romy Carver
Wearing masks isn’t something you do for yourself. It does help you remember not to touch your face, and it reminds others to physically distance.
But the REASON to wear a mask is to keep us from sneezing, coughing, talking and breathing germs onto OTHER people. You might feel just fine, but it’s possible to have this virus and not know it.
I was in Safeway and every single staff person was in a mask. They were routing all entrances through one end of the store and exits out the other. That’s because they are using common sense to protect their employees and customers.
I don’t know why I’m still surprised to see only four other people out of dozens in there with masks. Do people not get this?
I’m concerned that the good news that we seem to be flattening the curve is causing people to become complacent. We’re not done here, folks. OHA today reports 58 new cases and four new deaths.
I get it, you’re tired of having to do this. They are uncomfortable on many levels. You might feel goofy in them. There’s probably many reasons.
I don’t care.
I just want to say, it’s not about you. Be considerate of other people’s health and wear a damn mask. If those employees can handle wearing one for an eight hour (or longer) shift, you can put on your big person underpants and wear one for a shopping trip.
Then if a checker in the store gets this stuff, you have the peace of mind knowing you aren’t the one who infected them. If you need a mask and don’t have one, I’ll help you get one.
EDITOR’S NOTE: If you need a mask, please message the Face Mask Project Group below, or email to editor@tillamookcountypioneer.net and we will direct to face mask resources in Tillamook County.
Tillamook County COVID-19 Volunteer Group – https://www.tillamookcountypioneer.net/tillamook-county-covid19-volunteer-group-established-volunteers-stand-ready-to-help-as-community-needs/
The Tillamook County Face Mask Project – https://www.facebook.com/groups/224499255624241/