This is the new normal. Wearing a mask is the simplest way to protect your own health, including others around you! COVID-19 is still around, in fact the numbers are spiking again, higher than ever in the United States.
Importance of wearing a face mask from the CDC:
- “Cloth face covering may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others.”
- “Cloth face coverings are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings.”
In my generation, it seems as though teens are embarrassed to wear a mask. Is this because they are afraid of what others will think of them and how they look? Worrying about your looks should not be a main concern during a global pandemic. I want to help people break through this stereotype. There is nothing to be embarrassed about, instead we should be embracing this new trend. Make a mask part of your outfit- just like jewelry, headbands, or hats- change it everyday if you wish. Pick favorite colors and patterns, mask designs have become endless.
Wearing a mask is not embarrassing, it is life saving.
If you do not have access to buy a mask, get creative and make one! DIY crafts for making masks are definitely trending, as many people started mask businesses too. A simple search on Youtube gives hundreds of different DIY face mask options. The CDC recommends that if you are making your own face mask, use cloth that you can find around your house. According to the CDC, cloth face masks are fitting, have many layers of fabric, and don’t restrict breathing.
Things you should look for in searching or making a protective mask- The five CDC guidelines:
- Must fit snug around the face (but comfortably)
- Must be secured with ties or ear loops
- Must include multiple layers of fabric
- Allow for breathing without restriction
- Must be washable without damage
If you are unsure about wearing a mask, think about this perspective: Put yourself in the shoes of people who have died, been exposed, or lost a loved one to this virus.