(Above) "Visitors, some wearing face masks, walk down Main Street USA at Disneyland in Anaheim," Calif., on Dec. 27, 2021 by Ringo Chui
With the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing for upwards of two years now, society has become accustomed to living alongside the virus. The ‘new normal’ which has been bestowed upon us grows increasingly familiar day by day, however with the nature of the world we live in, the populace are longing for a return to life prior to 2020. Delving back into life as we knew it involves a major lifestyle change which we have grown largely accustomed to: the removal of face masks.
Scientifically proven to protect users from COVID-19 infection, face masks were detrimental in the global initiative to overcome the pandemic. Researchers proclaim a 53% reduction in cases worldwide due to the sporting of masks, saving countless lives and protecting humanity (The Guardian 11/21). Now, with the availability of effective vaccines coaxing the reduction in global deaths, the light at the end of the tunnel is intensifying daily, raising the question of whether the removal of face masks is viable. This article will go over the advantages and disadvantages, of once again, obtaining the ability to reveal our smiles to the world.
Is it time to remove our masks?
Currently, as of April 2022, the population of Thailand is still required to wear masks under every circumstance, apart from during strenuous exercise. However, recently, other major metropolitan states have begun to make the leap towards mask-free faces, with the United Kingdom leading the way. As of February 2022, residents of the UK are no longer required to bear face masks in all public settings, however the decision is solely up to the individual (Sylvia Hui, 2/22). This entails that one can elect to sport a face mask given their risk and setting, although it's not obligatory.
Since this lifting of restrictions, the UK’s overall COVID caseload has increased by roughly 40%, however deaths and hospital admissions have plateaued, or even slightly decreased (Liam James 3/22). This reveals that although the protection provided by face masks has ceased, the vaccination rate of over 80% provoked protection from severe disease and even death (NHS 4/22). Although this points towards the plausibility of removing face masks from society, the answer to the question whether one must wear a face mask at hand boils down to a single factor: Personal risk.
Each individual has personal risk factors which determine their likelihood, and repercussions of contracting the virus. Oftentimes these factors include underlying conditions within oneself, or family members, who are at an elevated risk. Contracting the virus for these individuals may prove far more detrimental compared to other members of the population. Governments should carefully consider this prior to removing mandates, however it is important to remember that an array of options are available to still protect yourself if governments decide to remove face masks.
- Firstly, one way masking is still effective. Contrary to past belief, research shows that wearing a mask while everyone around you is not still proves effective in protecting yourself against the virus. The popular mantra in 2020 which sang: “My mask protects you, your mask protects me,” is not entirely true, as one can still garner protection even though another is not sporting a mask. The usage of N95 masks prove most effective whilst one way masking, as a 57 to 86% reduction in risk is expected (UVA 1/22). Ideally to minimize risk, everyone would sport a mask, however if not, one-way masking is the next best thing.
- Receive all the COVID vaccine doses you are eligible for. In order for this pandemic to end, herd immunity must be reached throughout our population through vaccination, and this is the bottom line. Receiving your COVID vaccinations upholds the strongest protection against severe disease, and death. Currently in Thailand, the vaccine is openly available to all age groups, with the third booster shot being currently distributed. When it comes to protecting yourself against the virus, vaccination is the number one step.
So what now?
Governments are slowly removing mask mandates, however fear of contracting the disease still looms in the air. What does the future of masking look like? Scenarios developed by VOX news suggest that the future of masking involves constant adaptation depending on the environment you are in. This entails that the decision whether to wear your mask depends solely on situations you encounter daily. An example of this being applied could be whilst you are strolling outside, in open air. The chance of the virus spreading airborne outside is significantly lower, meaning that wearing a mask is not necessary. Once you enter a crowded coffee shop however, sporting that mask may be a good idea. Moreover, if you are feeling slightly unwell, wearing a mask would be socially moral. Similar to if you enter a hospital; this would be an ideal time to bear your mask. This ideology can also be applied according to the COVID situation in your area, or the ‘COVID weather’. If cases are soaring, and the ‘COVID weather’ is looking bad and stormy, wearing your mask may be a good idea, however if COVID cases seem to be declining, and the sun is shining, masks will not be as necessary.
An example of this being applied could be whilst you are strolling outside, in open air. The chance of the virus spreading airborne outside is significantly lower, meaning that wearing a mask is not necessary. Once you enter a crowded coffee shop however, sporting that mask may be a good idea. Moreover, if you are feeling slightly unwell, wearing a mask would be socially moral. Similar to if you enter a hospital; this would be an ideal time to bear your mask. This ideology can also be applied according to the COVID situation in your area, or the ‘COVID weather’. If cases are soaring, and the ‘COVID weather’ is looking bad and stormy, wearing your mask may be a good idea, however if COVID cases seem to be declining, and the sun is shining, masks will not be as necessary.
This future of masking seems rough, however it is somewhat comparable to other lifestyle items, such as an umbrella. As mentioned before, masking can go in accordance with the ‘COVID weather’. If the COVID weather is treacherous, wear a mask, just like one would open an umbrella if it is raining.
All in all, although we are one step closer to the ‘removal’ of face masks, in reality, it is plausible that they will remain in our lives for the foreseeable future. Without mandates, sporting of face masks comes down to the personal decision of individuals, and their situations, as overall, the main goal is to stay safe from harm.