A Lamar Student's Perspective on Wearing Masks

Masks have become one of, if not the most important thing to have during this pandemic, an essential for day-to-day life and now an official part of the Lamar High School uniform. 

Throughout this pandemic, the worlds’ leaders have urged and enforced citizens to wear a mask to protect themselves and others from contracting and spreading COVID-19. In America, the federal government left it up to the states to mandate the wearing of masks in public places such as grocery stores and schools. 

Debates on whether or not you should wear a mask  have sprung up all over the country since orders on wearing them were put in place in each state. 

Many United States citizens believe that being told to wear a mask is a violation of their rights and they should get to choose whether or not they wear a mask or have their child wear one.

These “anti-maskers” also believe that wearing a mask does nothing to protect you or other people from the virus, despite numerous medical professionals’ opinions on this topic. 

CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield said in a July press release, “We are not defenseless against COVID-19. Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus – particularly when used universally within a community setting…”, the rest of which can be found on the CDC website under the ‘Newsroom Releases’ tab.

The virus is spread through respiratory droplets, which get released when people speak, yell, sneeze and cough. If someone was to come in contact with a droplet on their nose or mouth or if one was to inhale a droplet, they could contract the virus. By wearing a cloth mask, not one with a ventilator, you are preventing yourself from spreading and receiving droplets. 

With going back to school in person getting closer and closer for Lamar students, it is imperative that citizens understand the importance of wearing a proper mask and doing so without arguments with those in charge. Students will be going back in waves but the smaller groups doesn’t mean masks won’t be enforced. 

Principal Rita Graves shared in a weekly newsletter the guidelines for going back in person and masks are now required to be worn while at school. Lamar has even started selling some in the school colors for students to purchase. 

I am hoping that the students that choose to join me in going back are also choosing to follow the guidelines established about wearing a mask throughout the day to keep themselves and everyone else safe. If one was to look at other countries such as New Zealand, they would see that they have been able to stop needing to enforce masks because they have almost completely eradicated the virus and life has seemingly gone back to normal. The people wore masks because they knew it would keep everyone safe and now they are reaping the benefits of that decision. 

I urge my fellow students to wear a mask at school and follow the rules set forth by their principals because if we all do our part, we can get closer to going back to normal.