A friend made masks for Doug and me.
Wearing masks has not been a societal ‘norm’ in North America but frankly? It should be.
We would all be better off if, during cold/flu season and in the midst of a global epidemic (pandemic) we would stay home if at all possible – if not, then wear a mask.
First and foremost a mask will protect *you* from catching the virus.
Secondly, if you have the virus but have not developed symptoms yet, it will protect others from any virus you might be shedding.
I am compromised on several fronts – a blood cancer that leaves me open to catching anything that wafts by – specifically a cancer of my immune system. Cardiac issues. While I have not – yet – had a heart attack, I really do not want to damage my heart. Like the anesthesiologist commented, I have a good heart, crappy plumbing. And last – but not least – I am in the age bracket that does not do well, statistically, with fending off this particular virus.
I am selfish. I want to live a while longer and I would prefer to do it without the health deficits that many are reporting after surviving this virus.
No, it isn’t much fun wearing a mask – not in the heat, nor will it be in cold weather, given I wear glasses. But I’m used to glasses fogging up, I will deal with it.
This morning I read that airlines are lifting their plane load capacity and ending physical distancing on their planes. Which makes me leery to take any long distance trip.
I am not going to rush to dine out. I’ll eat at home, thanks, as boring as that may be.
I am not going to go to a party, or other location where people are packed in with poor air circulation.
And I rather suspect a lot of other people are going to stay safe at home as much as possible, too.
Until there is a reliable vaccine or at the very least a cure, not just dealing with symptoms, I am not planning on venturing out and about.
If the weather ever improves I will resume my walks in the neighbourhood, but in the meantime I am pretty much staying put.
But if I do need to go out, I have masks, and I will wear them, inconvenient or not.