While most people seem to understand the importance of wearing a mask in today's current climate, there has been a growing concern about anti-maskers and lockdown-breakers.
And now, almost unbelievably, one nurse has actually lost her job over the issue this week...
However, in the past few weeks, little bits of normality have been appearing...
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With things beginning to reopen again.But whilst things are getting back to normal, we must still take precautions...
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This is very important because we need to stop the spread of the virus.In fact, some precautions are becoming mandatory in some places.
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Including here in the U.S.In some states, it has become mandatory to wear a face mask on certain occasions.
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For example, in some retail stores like Costco, customers are required to wear one, and not to mention on public transport including airlines.Some people are choosing to wear a face-covering regardless.
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To provide them with peace of mind.But there are issues with face masks that many people have discovered.
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Not only are they in short supply, after most countries in the world are requiring PPE.Meaning that many people are having to make their own.
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Both for themselves and for essential workers, as they are not being provided with enough.But the other issue is that many people have discovered how uncomfortable face masks can be.
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Particularly when they are worn for a long period of time.They can also make it hard to breathe whilst wearing.
You may think the uncomfortable nature is a small price to pay for the safety they could provide.But obviously, there has been an ongoing debate as to whether they actually provide enough protection.
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The world seems to be divided on the issue, with lots of people claiming that the masks are in fact only an accessory used to control the masses.And that's why many are refusing to wear them.
idfwpwdwfm i don’t f**k with people who don’t wear face masks— Cathy Kelley (@Cathy Kelley)1593110345.0
Despite this, health experts have stressed their importance.
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Healthline describes them as "crucial in the fight against the pandemic." They stressed that this rule is to protect others and not yourself. Wearing a mask reduces the transmission of the disease by at least half.Another person to stress their importance was scientist and presenter, Bill Nye.
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Commonly known as "Bill Nye the Science Guy", he shared 2 videos on TikTok that highlighted just how important and effective face masks can be.In the videos, the sixty-four-year-old conducted a simple experiment using several types of facing coverings and a candle.
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But there's one medical professional who's offered a rather controversial perspective...Ashley Grames, an oncology nurse from Oregon, got the internet talking this week.
She posted a viral TikTok bragging about breaking COVID restrictions while not at work.This included traveling, eschewing a mask, and allowing her kids to socialize...
Which, considering that she's constantly around immune-compromised patients, is pretty disgusting behavior.Understandably, people weren't happy about it...
And the story caused a huge storm on TikTok.But now, there have been either bigger consequences.
Salem Health Hospital where she was employed announced over the weekend that she has been placed on administrative leave as a consequence of her actions.