Gabriela Restituyo

Many Americans believe that CDC recommended State mandates to wear face masks impedes on American’s rights over what they can and can’t do. However, it is proven by the CDC that wearing a face mask (not just a scarf, shirt, or thin facial covering) protects the wearer and those around them from the virus.

The CDC website gives some occasions where masks should not be worn. There are four reasons that allow for people not to wear masks: outdoor workers, people with underlying medical conditions, people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or interact with the hearing impaired, and children younger than 2. These exemptions do not include anything about rights, yet people often claim their rights are being violated to try and get out of wearing a mask. There have been many occasions of people making this claim. Wearing a mask can save a life or many lives as it protects others from the respiratory droplets that can travel from mouth, into the air, and onto surrounding people.

Additionally, the argument that wearing a mask for a long period of time obstructs oxygen and causes people to breathe carbon dioxide is also an invalid claim, as many health care providers wear masks often for long periods of time.

It is not a ridiculous notion to have to wear a mask with other people around as it is scientifically proven that wearing masks is for the best of everyone’s health.

Additionally, people should respect when an establishment requires face masks, as they provide a service for people and indeed have the right not to if someone does not abide by their mandates. It is tremendous and very noble that many people support their own constitutional rights and their rights to their bodies, but it might be better, and even life-saving, to direct this adamant dedication to rights to where it is more necessary and to those that need it.

Let’s help each other out by helping to keep each other safe and healthy as a nation.