When I Feel Awkward Wearing a Mask During the COVID-19 Pandemic
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Today I went to the store for the first time in a few weeks. I sat in my car for a while as I tried to find enough confidence to put on my face mask and walk in. I watched the shoppers entering and exiting the store. Once I saw others go in with their mask on, I felt a little bit better. I am protecting others by wearing one, so why does it feel so uncomfortable?
As I approached the store, my anxiety kicked way up. I thought to myself, is this what we’ve come to? I have to seriously go to the store like this? Upon entering, a lady was cleaning off a cart for me to use, and the store was eerily quiet for a Saturday afternoon. As I passed fellow shoppers, we exchanged looks and I thought to myself, “do I look silly?” Could they tell I was uncomfortable and scared? Were they feeling the same way I was? I accidentally passed by a woman who wasn’t wearing a mask a little too closely. She looked at me with a mixture of disgust and fear. For once in my life, I just wanted to get my items and get out as fast as I could.
In an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the CDC recommends non-surgical face masks be worn in public. Doing so will help protect others from possibly contracting the disease should you have it and not know it. It doesn’t feel “normal” to leave my home and see everybody wearing a mask, but during this moment in time, it’s another thing we can all do to help flatten the curve.
Having to wear a face mask to the store is a lot to take in, just like this entire COVID-19 journey has been a lot to take in. Everything has changed so rapidly in the past month, I’ve barely had time to process it. Something as basic as getting some groceries now serves as a heavy dose of reality. There is a lot of fear and uncertainty right now, but now more than ever we need to band together in order to protect as many people as possible.
It looks like wearing a mask is going to be the thing to do for a while. This is going to be part of our new normal and it’s going to feel strange at first. I know the more we all do it, the more comfortable we will become. Think of it as a fake it ‘til you make it situation! For those of you who are self-conscious like I am, just remember the advice given by Governor Mike DeWine and Dr. Amy Acton that went something like this: When I wear a mask, I am protecting you and when you wear a mask, you are protecting me.
Be brave, wear your mask and stay safe!
For more on the coronavirus, check out the following stories from our community:
Getty image by SbytovaMN.
After losing the eyesight in my right eye while attending a minor league baseball game, I became an advocate for safer ballparks across the country. In an effort to raise awareness, I began writing about my experience and what I have learned along the way.
dlsimpson