A couple of weeks ago, the the CDC advised us not to bother wearing surgical face masks in public. They said it wouldn’t protect us at all from the coronavirus, and might even make things worse. Because if we touched our face while fiddling around with the mask, we would be spreading the virus near the mucous membranes in our mouth and nose. I believed that. But guess what? I’ve changed my mind. Why do I wear a face mask when going to the store?
The idea began when I noticed cashiers seemed apprehensive as I approached the checkout. They were unfriendly and didn’t smile. It occurred to me that they were afraid of my standing so close and breathing on them. It turns out that stores like Target and Kroger are addressing that fear by installing Plexiglas barriers between the customer and the cash register clerks.
Last Saturday was the first time I went to the drug store wearing a mask. I was afraid I would stand out, and look kind of freakish. But half of the few people in that pharmacy were also wearing face masks. I was one of the crowd! By now, I’ve begun wearing a surgical mask to the store simply because I don’t want to spread my germs around. I have no symptoms, but that doesn’t mean I’m not coming down with the virus. I’m not wearing the mask to protect myself, so much as to put others at ease. And this time, the cashier at the checkout was friendly.
Another reason to wear the face mask: Last night’s weatherman announced we have a high pollen count. People with spring allergies might start sneezing, but he cautioned them not to panic. Unless they develop a fever or more serious symptoms they shouldn’t conclude that they have the coronavirus. I am one of those people allergic to pollen. My nose drips off and on all spring, depending on what tress are blossoming. If I go to the store with a dripping nose, it’s going to scare people to death. Wearing the mask filters the pollen so that I don’t sneeze. Also, no one has to worry that I’m sending droplets into the air.