We, not Me!

Wear Your Face Mask! “It’s easy to spot people who want the economy to open the fastest. They’re wearing a mask.” Andy Slavitt

Four years ago I traveled to South Korea and Taiwan. The first thing I wrote in my journal was, “They wear face masks here!” I was surprised and confused. It has taken me 4 years to understand. I now know how important it is to wear a mask. Do I like it? Whether I like to wear a mask is not important. It is about keeping everyone safe and healthy.  The only way we can safely get things back to any sense of normal is if we are considerate of everyone and work to keep everyone healthy.

If we want to move to in-person activities, it is necessary to change any “me” thinking to “We are all in this together!”

Important guidelines from CDC: People should wear masks, social distance, wash hands, and limit time spent in company with others and the number of others with whom we interact. This guidance is aimed at the spread of respiratory droplets. You should think about four elements: distance from others, the environment, the activity, and the duration of the interaction. Read more here.

“Mask wearing can be a game changer if we as a society collectively decide we will adhere to it.” Michael Mina, epidemiologist   Yes, and Taiwan and South Korea get it.