For those choosing not to wear a mask in public because you deem the virus a hoax, or you think wearing one an infringement on your freedom, here is what a real infringement on your freedom can look like:
You contact the virus and end up in a hospital along with others, some who could be dying right next to you. There is where you discover the virus is not a hoax, and learn what can really take away your freedom. You are rendered helpless and at the mercy of those who would risk their lives to save yours.
Hopefully, you will recover and be able to thank them for returning your freedom, while they, every day, are risk losing all of theirs.
Those who wear masks do so to protect you as well as themselves. No one needs more stress than what we are all undergoing. So many are experiencing deep concerns and anxiety during this time of so many unknowns.
So don’t go patting yourself on the back when you know you have shown false compassion toward someone, when having given a little sense of safety, by wearing a mask, would have shown respect, honesty, kindness and been enough.
The least anyone can do, whether you believe the virus is a hoax or not, or feel your freedom is being infringed upon, is the choice to put our precious freedom to a higher use and play the fool behind the mask rather than in public without one.
Sheila WheelerDolores
