COVID-19 mask wearing and freedoms

Much is required of our society if we are to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I am disturbed when I hear about people refusing to wear masks while associating at certain events, occasions or places of business where the requirements to do so are stipulated or expected.

They imagine it to be a curtailment of their rights in a free society.

Flash back three or four decades ago when the requirement to wear seat belts in vehicles was looked upon with the same mind set.

Now, we wear them with grateful submission to the law. They protect not only others but us as well. Wearing masks during this pandemic is no different.

A totally free society where everyone does exactly as he/she pleases is a myth. We ask for laws of all kinds to protect us from abuse by others, from recklessness and indifference towards others, from actions of those who would take advantage of the vulnerable and less fortunate among us and numerous laws for safe driving.

Wearing masks is no different; neither is social distancing and washing our hands often; neither is following other guidelines of health and science professionals which are usually channelled through government officials who decree such regulations.

We can also extend what I am saying to receiving vaccines for the flu and now the COVID-19 when it becomes available. None of these suppresses our freedom. In fact, they give us more freedom; not necessarily for what we can’t do but for what we can do because we are safer from diseases that can sicken us or even cause our death.

We need to develop the attribute of discernment so we can distinguish between what is true and what is false; what is a welcome warning and what is fear-mongering; what is fact and what is fiction and what is misinformation and what is reliable knowledge.

Armed with good judgment and appropriate practices, we can move through the perils of our current life with greater confidence, peace and safety.

Ray Sheen