We don't want this blog to get too coronavirus-y, but: We have a question about mask-wearing.
Here in our neighborhood, when we go outside, as we do at least twice a day to walk Lucy, we do not wear masks. Neither does Lucy, and neither do most of the people we encounter. We often stop and talk to neighbors, always maintaining the prescribed social distance; when people are coming the other way, we step to the side, or even off the sidewalk, to make room. We cross the street if necessary to maintain distance. But, again, we don't wear masks for these outdoor walks. Are we supposed to? If so, why?
We ask because we sometimes see people outdoors who are wearing masks. Usually these people are walking alone, or riding bikes alone. And every now and then we see somebody on social media declaring that EVERYBODY SHOULD WEAR A MASK AT ALL TIMES, even when taking neighborhood walks. Is there a sound basis for that view?
We're just asking. We really don't want to start an argument. We are very, very tired of coronavirus arguments. We welcome your calm and rational comments. They don't have to be about masks. They can also be about rutabagas.
Clarification: We get that the masks are to protect others, not ourselves. We understand why we need to wear them in the supermarket. We're asking about being outdoors and not near others.
