Myths, fallacies & concerns about not wearing a mask amidst Covid-19 pandemic
The official number of COVID-19 infections as of today is 937,567. And yet some parts of the world which are already hotbeds of infection are still debating whether to wear a mask or not!
Even in a place like New York one would expect that people would have stocked up on masks and dread the infection enough to wear one before going out. But conversation with a friend two days back revealed something else. There is a lot of hesitation in using masks due to concerns about being singled out, authorities have propagated fallacies & false claims so that masses are confused and even the useful articles are marred by wordiness & too much intellectual discussion and the relevant information is hidden like needle in a haystack.
Hence this list.
My argument against the myths, fallacies and concerns.
Myth #1: There is no definite evidence that the density of virus particles in air is enough to cause infection.
Actually there is a mounting evidence to support that the infection can spread through air. More the density (like in NY), more the risk. Even if more research is needed to establish the truth completely (100% vs some other%), there is evidence enough for us to act. Ignore any other dated, confusing, ambiguous reports. Wearing masks is an important arsenal in slowing down the spread. (Source)
Concern#1: Masks are limited.
This may be true and one may feel the need to “sacrifice” a mask to those who really need it (health workers) but one cannot deny how important wearing a mask is to every individual too for the greater good of everyone. It prevents virus from spreading out from a till now asymptomatic carrier as much as it prevents it from getting in to someones body.
Hence, if you can’t buy them, make your own masks. Sew masks, or make instant masks with clothes & bands, drape your scarf around your mouth, nose. Re purpose what you have. Agreed that homemade masks are less effective than proper medical ones but at 50% blockage rate, they are still better than not wearing any mask at all. Also, you are helping the health workers indirectly, by taking care of yourself.
Concern#2: People look at you accusingly and suspiciously if you wear a mask.
Firstly, know it that you are taking care of everybody by taking care of yourself. Secondly, educate your friends, family and others around you. Spread the word. Lastly, Better those accusing looks, than having an infection or worse still, spreading infection to other vulnerable people. Wearing a mask is a responsible thing to do. At the cost of repeating, would like to highlight again that the masks stop virus from going out to other people as much as it stops the virus from getting into your body. Especially relevant since infection spreads before symptoms show.
Concern#3: Masks are uncomfortable and no one wears them correctly.
They are uncomfortable indeed but it is also a matter of getting used to wearing a mask and following simple guidelines. Here is a quick guide to wearing masks and handling them.
Concern#4: Emphasis on wearing masks leads people to ignore other measures like hand washing.
In isolation, none of the measures will help. Testing alone or lock down alone or using masks alone or washing hands alone will not help to flatten the curve but each of them is an important part of the solution to this crisis. Need is to educate everyone on everything, not to sacrifice one important detail to highlight another.
Fallacy#1: A country like Singapore could control COVID-19 despite discouraging mask-wearing.
It is not right to use Singapore as an example. Singapore is one of the most efficient and “smart” countries in the world. They could control (or have controlled so far) COVID-19 in the first wave because (among other reasons)
· People are aware of pandemics. Singaporeans have suffered greatly during SARS epidemic and they adapt to the hygiene of mask wearing and other measures quickly compared to the rest of the world.
· It is an all-summer country and compared to colder countries of the west, virus is likely to be less effective outdoors. While one may cite arguing whether temperature and sun –exposure helps with spread or not, it is important to not lose sight of common sense over academic claims.
· It is a first world city-country full of educated people. Movement of people can be controlled and citizens have full trust in government.
· Government in Singapore is fast-acting. So far we haven’t heard of any time lost to arguments between liberals and conservatives or government waiting for too long or discussing “herd immunity” or other theories while failing to act.
· Lastly, in Singapore, the spread of infection was never this bad as is the case in US and Europe as of 2nd April 2020. Spread was slow despite initial panic. Even at initial total 10 infections, People were extremely scared and the Government took measures right then and there. In short, they tamed the spread before it could get out of hand. In countries in west, it is clearly out of hand. The spread is far and wide.
So, unless any country is in an exact situation and is as efficient, please do not use Singapore as an example.
The biggest problem with COVID-19 is uncertainty around the disease. Its origins are still being debated, its treatment months away from now and every addition to the number of infections and death in the world is a new grim record. It is important to fear it enough to take proper measures.
Be wise. Equip yourself with the right tools to fight this war. Work on your immunity and mental well being. Talk to your friends and family. Spread the right word. Help in eradicating wrong information. Be positive. And definitely don’t forget to wear a mask next time you make a trip to super-market or go for a walk.
Remember that famous quote by Charles Darwin, “The species that survives is the one that is most able to adapt to and adjust best to the changing environment in which it finds itself” .
Adapt. Wear a mask. Fight the spread.
