To Mask Or Not To Mask

~ Tandy
To mask, or not to mask, that is the question.

South Africa mandated mask wearing in April 2020 and this was only dropped in June 2022. In what seems like forever, people are now asking the question, to mask or not to mask. What follows is my opinion.

To Mask Or Not To Mask
This is the only mask I wear
Not to mask

I am going to start with all my reasons for not wearing one. When the rules came into force, we did not cover up at work. This was a personal choice and the only time we wore masks was when customers or suppliers were in our office. We are all socially distanced and to me there was no reason to wear them. We also socialised a lot during the mandate period, and of course did not wear masks with friends. There is every reason not to wear one when outdoors and in open public spaces. And there is the consideration that many people have medical issues with wearing masks. I also feel that we need to be able to see people’s faces when we talk to them. And then there is the issue that we need to come into contact with every day germs to stay healthy. I know that sounds odd, but it builds up our immune system.

To mask

This one is easy for me. Wear a mask on public transport such as busses, trains and taxis. There is no fresh air and you are in a confined space. We did it last year in The Netherlands and this year in England. Another place I would cover up is in a pharmacy. People who go to the chemist are more than likely to be ill. This way you can hopefully stay healthy and not catch the winter flu. I also recommend masking up when in busy shops, or small stores. Covid is not over and we need to do as much as we can to protect ourselves. Also, wear one if you are not feeling well. This will protect the people you come into contact with.

Being compassionate

Many people will choose to mask up, and we need to be respectful of their choices. We don’t need to know why, nor ask, but we do need to be compassionate. Maybe they are immune compromised? Or they feel more comfortable and secure? Whatever their reason is, it is not our business. Let people express their choice when it comes to answering the question: to mask or not to mask.

Are you still masking up, and if so, under what circumstances?

View the previous posts on July 27:

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Published by Tandy

I am passionate about using regional, seasonable and sustainable produce when I cook. I live in Gordons Bay with my husband and dogs. We visit new places locally and overseas as often as we can to experience the food of the area. Follow along on our adventures!

7 thoughts on “To Mask Or Not To Mask”

  2. Hi Tandy, an interesting post. I don’t wear a mask in the office as I go in on quiet days and we are all socially distanced. I also wear on in shopping centre [which always seem full of sick retail staff], pharmacies, hospitals, doctors room, and if I see anyone in close proximity who is coughing or sniffing. I don’t want to be sick and I’ve already had Covid and it has horrid. I don’t want it again ever. I see no reason not to mask, I actually liked it in many ways. I prefer waiters, servers, and cooking staff to wear masks, it is hygienic.

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  3. That’s interesting. We mostly stopped and are now swinging back under circumstances, like a concert series we’re going to,

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