To Mask or Not to Ask … That is A Question
June 15, aka the great unmasking (okay, that’s my definition), aka personal responsibility day, was Tuesday. The big question seems to be, “What does this mean?”
First off, the County of Los Angeles has aligned itself with state mandates regarding masking guidelines. Among the changes is that requirements for wearing a mask in public have adjusted depending on individual vaccination levels. It needs to be noted that some people, even those who are vaccinated, might prefer to continue wearing a mask. Businesses have the right to mandate that all of their employees and/or customers wear masks, too, regardless of vaccination levels. (Side note: I thought that due to HIPAA laws an employer couldn’t ask if someone was vaccinated. But schools can before letting a student into class?)
So what does that all mean? In some cases, there won’t be much of a change at all. Where we wore a mask before, we’ll have to continue doing so. However, now there will be a choice where to do business. If there is a mask mandate that is in place at one restaurant and the diner doesn’t want to follow it, for example, s/he can go elsewhere. Unfortunately that won’t be the case everywhere. For example, if there are government buildings that mandate wearing a mask inside and a person doesn’t want to, s/he doesn’t have much choice as far as where to take their business. Ultimately, though, I think that beyond personal preference we need to be cognitive of and sensitive to those who want us to continue wearing a mask. If I want to shop at one supermarket and it continues with a mask mandate then I’ll wear the mask. It makes others more comfortable; it’s not about me. It’s not an opportunity to banter about the issue, proclaiming my “rights.” For me it’s about somebody else’s comfort level.
Amy and I went to a wine pickup party in Paso Robles this past weekend. At check-in we chose one of three different colored wristbands representing attitudes of comfort regarding interacting with others: green for completely comfortable interacting with others, yellow for being a little wary and red indicating stay away. (I thought it unlikely that anyone would wear red at a social function like that one. I never did see anyone with a red wristband.) I thought it was a non-confrontational way to let others know of a person’s feelings.
Let’s face it; we’ve all seen the people driving alone in cars with the windows up who are wearing a mask. It seems ridiculous to me; I mean they’re alone. But for whatever reason it makes them feel better and it doesn’t do anything to me so I say go for it; whatever makes you comfortable.
Just like I didn’t enjoy wearing the mask, some folks prefer wearing it.
So, as we’re coming out of COVID, we need to be mindful of others and respectful of others. After all, at the end of the day we’re just trying to figure it out.