Masking The Issue

Given the uncertain health environment and regulations lately, we’ve augmented our fashion range with some cool masks!
They’re made by a woman in our suburb, and we got one each for our family (Babe and I each have an extra as well). Here’s a selection –

The butterflies are mine, the TARDIS print is for Sweet Bean.
My Babe, and Biggest Boy, have a black with white polka dot one and a grey small print one, respectively… you know, for formal occasions…

We’re still figuring out the best fit – might need a few adjustments, especially since most of us wear glasses. I’ve found I have to take my glasses off to read close up, since I can’t just look under them anymore! They feel a bit claustrophobic at the moment, and feel like they’re slipping a bit when I talk, but that’s probably the fit at present and will be better with adjustment.

Why did we buy them?

No, we’re not sheep, driven to mindless obedience under a draconian government.
No, we’re not terrified and scrabbling for anything to feel some measure of safety.
No, we’re not trying to look superior to everyone else (an actual accusation levelled at my Babe at the shops yesterday).

I’m not actually too bothered by the possibility of catching COVID19 – not because it’s nothing to worry about, but because our risk is very low. It’s not, however, non-existent. Even without that possibility, there’s all sorts of viruses hanging about in this season. I’ve not had flu (as in actual influenza) for over 20 years, and we don’t tend to get colds. Sniffles, maybe. And I tend to have a bit of a cough when it’s cold, especially in the mornings. At the moment that can single you out as a possible plague carrier when in public…

There are countries where it’s common, and considered courteous, to wear a mask in public during cold and flu season. People seem to understand that the mask wearer is doing so for the benefit of others, rather than their own protection (although that’s also a benefit to some extent). It’s hygienic, considerate of others and can be stylish! Here people do tend to look at you as though you’re stupid, or deluded. Why do some consider wearing a mask as an affront to them? A piece of material on my face isn’t a threat to anyone…I’ll be having a chat with my boys about not reacting if they’re challenged by strangers.
I’ve considered the question of masks in other years during flu season. Given that I tend to cough, I’ve thought about it before…not that I’m necessarily contagious (and generally I’m not – it’s more irritation), but – I could be. There’s something to be said for thinking about other people’s peace of mind when I’m coughing away in the supermarket…
At this time my odds of passing on COVID19 are low to almost non-existent. But not completely non-existent. And I know too many vulnerable people.
This is a new world, in a lot of ways. It may be the new norm, or it may be a passing thing, but for the moment – I’ll wear butterflies!