Well, time has come to return to work. I am ready. But, I have to admit that wearing a mask all day is daunting to me. I already have breathing problems, then add oxygen hoses and a pair of glasses to the mask bands. This makes for a sore ear. I have enough masks to use two a day. I have purchased more scrubs to be able to wear pretty clothes that can handle hot washes. (I got the idea from an article about Texas teachers returning to the classroom wearing scrubs.) I have antiseptic sprays for my office and home. I will also have a clear plastic barrier for the front of my desk.
Let’s get back to the masks. I find them very hot. My face has great skin now from the cleansing sweat. It is easier to breath with the oxygen on while wearing the mask. But, it is still hot.
I did recently try to go to a small gathering of people who were supposed to wear masks during a presentation. The seating was set up wonderfully. Everyone was more than 6 feet from each other. But, halfway through the presentation, I looked around. There were several people who had taken their masks off. It was heartbreaking. On one hand I understand the fact that we were all more than 6 feet apart. The con side of the masks being taken off was that the presentation was indoors.
The presenters had the area sanitized immediately as we were walking out. Kudos to the presenters. But, unless everyone keeps their mask on all the time, I will not be going to any presentations until this virus stuff is gone.
I am afraid I am becoming a Mask Shamer.
So, I did some research. I looked up what medical conditions would allow people to not wear masks. There wasn’t really any medical documentation or articles to support the assumption that those with breathing problems should not wear a mask. The basis being that wearing a mask is actually better because it filters the air. I wear a mask when the Air Index Pollution count is moderate and high anyway outdoors. Then, the articles stated that if you have problems breathing, staying at home is better for you anyway.
The bottom line is I wear a mask when outside of my house. At work I will wear my mask. Oxygen will be added if exertion is necessary to do my job. I already wear a mask and my oxygen during my work for a charity. I will just have to make sure that as the mask gets sweaty, it will be changed out to a dry one.
Just beware, if some little old lady gives you a glare because you are not wearing a mask, take the warning. Your life is more precious to everyone around you. You have a circle of influence that will be empty if you get sick and die. You are more precious than a sparrow to God.
I pray everyday for the protection of those I am around frequently. I pray for myself that God will protect me. Each morning I thank Him for allowing me to see another day. Take a reality check and read Revelation.
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by Shannon Smith July 2, 2020
by Claire Gillespie June 29, 2020