Masks, a small piece of fabric can make a big difference

As much as many of us would like the COVID-19 pandemic to move on, it hasn’t yet.

Cases are rising around the state, including here in Poplar Bluff and surrounding areas. This week, the Butler County Health Department announced the county has had 2,745 total cases, with more than 800 of those in November, and our death toll is up to 21.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, medical professionals have encouraged the wearing of masks when around other people. It’s well past time to listen to them.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, face coverings reduce the spread of COVID-19 by 70-80%.

An article from Harvard medical school explains that in the early parts of the pandemic, there was limited evidence about whether masks would be effective and it was primarily recommended to protect others. However, new research “suggests that the person wearing a mask also reaps some benefits.”

While a change in what we’re being told can be frustrating and confusing in this serious of a situation, it is part of science to continue learning, especially on something like COVID-19 that only recently surfaced.

However, the benefits are only seen when a mask is worn correctly and throughout the community.

“Research makes it clear that the greatest overall benefit occurs when everyone wears a mask,” the Harvard article says.

The World Health Organization put out a video in June, explaining proper mask wearing techniques. In this, the organization explains that a mask should cover the person’s nose, mouth and chin, making sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.

The Mayo Clinic recommends starting slowly with short periods of wearing a mask and making sure your mask fits right as tips for adjusting to wearing one. It also suggests washing your mask regularly and washing your hands both before and after putting it on or taking it off.

Are masks uncomfortable? Yeah, they are. They’re also annoying and a bit of a hassle. It’s easy to forget them or go about messing with them (which just gets the germs on your hands). It’s inconvenient.

But, the alternative is more inconvenient. Missing work or school at the benign and losing a loved one at the worse.

When a piece of fabric can make the difference, it’s worth being a little uncomfortable.