COVID still exists, and is still causing death and long term illness. Nonetheless, people like Pallavi Sringeshwara face scrutiny for continuing to mask up.
“Are you STILL wearing a mask?”
“Are you okay? Are you not feeling well? Do you have Covid?”
“Last I heard, the pandemic is over.”
“It doesn’t work if everyone is not masking up.”
These are some of the questions or comments that I continue to get whenever I step out of my home.
Yes, my family and I have continued masking since 2020.
Why do we still wear masks? Because COVID still exists. I don’t want to catch Covid or flu or any respiratory illnesses if I can help it. I know friends and family members who wear masks because they are immuno-compromised. After contracting Covid, along with respiratory symptoms, some people are experiencing neurological symptoms, difficulty in concentrating, anxiety and depression. As someone who has had Covid, I am worried about the long term effects of this disease which are not fully understood yet. Based on my medical history, I want to do whatever is in my control to avoid complicating things.
Whatever the reasons, does it really matter?
I am not sure if it’s the fear of missing out or standing out that keeps others from masking. But I am tired of answering these questions. It is not hurting the unmasked person in any way. We live in a free country where everyone can make their choices based on their research, analysis and beliefs. Frankly, I don’t owe anyone an explanation. So, next time you see a person with mask, behave the same way you behave with a person not wearing the mask. That is, be normal.
Or if you want to be considerate, ask if they would prefer you mask up as well.
With a Perspective, I’m Pallavi Sringeshwara.
Pallavi is an Information Technology professional. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, crocheting and volunteering in the community.