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Johnson: Disturbed by letter about wearing masks

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I found the letter (“Don not come to pool if sick,” Sun City West Independent, Aug. 5, 2020) disturbing.

It appears the agenda of the letter is geared towards discrediting the protective value of wearing masks and an attempt to discourage (bully?) those choosing to wear a mask in the R.H. Johnson community pool here in Sun City West. Giving the “opinion” when you wear a mask in the pool, all you’re telling us is that you’re sick, and if you’re sick you should stay home.

Science has learned not everyone that has contracted the COVID-19 virus presents with fever and/or symptoms. These individuals assume they are not sick and become potential spreaders. Perhaps the people wearing masks in the pool know this and are trying to protect themselves from potential spreaders not wearing masks.

The degree of protection we receive from wearing a mask in public is enhanced when those around us are also wearing one. The protection increases exponentially when the wearer keeps a safe distance from those that are not.

The example given in the letter of a mask offering no protection to the wearer encountered by a sick individual openly expelling the virus is an excellent example. If the sick individual openly expelling the virus also had a mask on, or if the wearer kept a safe distance, odds are the wearer could dodge the COVID-19 bullet.

While the obvious solution to reduce the spread of the virus is quarantine, there are additional behaviors we have learned over the months that have fortunately allowed us all to enjoy some of life’s simple freedoms outdoors. How about we all ditch passing judgment, lose the casual attitude about this virus, arm ourselves with the facts and use our heads.

Shirley Johnson

Retired RN
Sun City West