Among the long list of issues debated throughout the Wuhan virus pandemic, the face mask arguably stands at the top.
The mask is omnipresent — and so is the political debate over who should wear it and when. WHO has now weighed in with new advice, and the Mask Police are not going to be happy.
Thing is, the mask has become much more than a face-covering to protect against the spread of disease; it is a veritable lightning rod for both the Mask Police and the anti-maskers alike.
To the former, it is the antithesis of the “Make America Great” cap — to be worn in open defiance of all things Donald Trump. To the latter, it represents government control — and a direct attack on the rights and freedoms afforded Americans by the U.S. Constitution itself.
Given the political environment, the following recommendations on the WHO website dedicated to “guidance and advice to the public on the use of masks to protect against and limit the spread of COVID-19” shouldn’t ruffle the feathers of dedicated mask-wearers:
- Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
- Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks.
- To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
- Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.
However, there is one piece of advice from WHO that is sure to incense Mask Police from sea to shining sea:
- If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with COVID-19.
You read it right: the WHO is now advising that only people taking care of Wuhan virus patients should wear a face mask.
The advice got the attention of Fox News political analyst Brit Hume.
This is from the WHO website now. Note who it says should wear a mask and when. https://t.co/V4dSLOZsd4
— Brit Hume (@brithume) May 29, 2020
Needless to say, the responses range from anger among dedicated mask-wearers to satisfaction and “We told you so!” from the anti-maskers, and everywhere in between, including many in the middle who are “dazed and confused” by months of conflicting advice.
So, it’s wear a mask, don’t wear a mask. Wear gloves, don’t wear gloves. You can touch surfaces, you can’t touch surfaces. Thanks, I’ve got it nailed down.
— johnnyblackmike (@johnnyblackmike) May 29, 2020
— Vote Out Democrats in 2020 (@DemoOut) May 29, 2020
Ok, if we are not in that group can we stop wearing them then ?
— SLynn 🇺🇸💙🙏 (@douglas_sherrie) May 29, 2020
Some took shots at virtue-signaling Democrats and the so-called “mainstream” media — including their hypocrisy.
So, we dont need masks unless we are sick or caring for covid patients? And democratic clowns and media who are shaming everyone are doing it for what?
— Bernermom55 (@bernermom55) May 29, 2020
Does it say reporters only wear them while the cameras are on?
— North_Woods_⭐️⭐️⭐️🇺🇸 (@NorthWoodsMike2) May 29, 2020
Many were already onboard.
Makes more sense than everybody wearing one. NJMA article:
We know that wearing a mask outside health care facilities offers little, if any, protection from infection.In many cases, the desire for widespread masking is a reflexive reaction to anxiety over the pandemic.
— Michael Hill (@michaelwhill2) May 29, 2020
Among the most ominous anti-masker responses was this warning.
— In A Mad World (@InAMadWorld111) May 29, 2020
And some were just out there.
As I tweeted 3 months ago; Covid-19 is population control BioWeapon that targets people who would be the largest economic drain for a healthcare system. #China is NO stranger to population control, their BioWeapon’s lab is in Wuhan, & their economy has been hit hard by tariffs.
— J. Styborski (@J_Styborski) May 29, 2020
The bottom line is this.
As has been the case throughout the Trump presidency — virtually anything that can be politicized to hyperbolic proportions is — the “battle of the mask” will undoubtedly range on. How long? Depends on multiple factors — including opposition to all-things Trump.