There is essentially no COVID-19 here in Newfoundland. There is always the possibility of asymptomatic spread, however, that would be evidenced by actual symptomatic people becoming present in the population. Since that isn’t a thing it would indicate that there are no asymptomatic people. Therefore, mandating the wearing of masks isn’t a measure to curb an existing COVID-19 issue; it is, rather, an endeavor to mitigate the impact of its uncontrolled return.
This has been the prevailing intention behind the social distancing, capacity limits and bubbling recommendations. As a province we’ve long since flattened the curve so the focus has been to try and ensure that if COVID-19 does, once again, begin to spread in the province that it’s impact would be stunted and allow for a more controlled reaction. So, there are two sides to keep in view when you follow(or ignore) any of the anti-COVID-19 recommendations and guidelines:
The current odds of catching COVID-19 in NL are extremely low, therefore, following these recommendations and guidelines do nothing to affect the situation.
It is possible for uncontrolled COVID-19 spread to resume at any time, therefore, following these recommendations and guidelines may do something to affect the future situation.
Both of these things are true. Therefore, the wearing of a mask can, simultaneously, be pointless and also may have a point. Mask wearing has (like a lot of things) been politicized and been presented to entirely stop someone from spreading their COVID-19. That isn’t entirely true which is why early on those leading us through the pandemic were rather “meh” on the necessity to wear masks. However, it does seem apparent that masks do SOMETHING to help mitigate the spread. So, utilizing them can be beneficial but they ought not be looked at as the ultimate prophylactic as presented by the media and politicians.
The reality of the pandemic has exposed the spectrum of responses. From irrationally paranoid, to reasonably cautious, to reasonably incautious, to irrationally careless. (I’m not making a moral judgement on those that fall on any part of the spectrum; I’m just pointing out its existence.) Our increasingly identity-focus society easily takes those along the spectrum and makes them either friends or enemies. Mask wearers vs. non-mask wearers, etc. So, while we ought to fight against that mentality and maintain an open discussion with each other with respect regardless of our view, the concept of a government mandate is separate.
Governments are inherently risk-averse and it is more risky to not mandate masks and there be an outbreak then to mandate masks and there be no outbreak. In the former they can quickly be accused of negligence and in the latter any complaint can be countered with their expressing the need for caution. Their focus isn’t so much based on pure reason rather than reducing as much as possible any and all chance for them not to be reelected. Their continuing as government is a driving force behind anything they do. That doesn’t always mean that all they do is unreasonable or unwarranted but there’s always that to consider.
One more aspect regarding government mandate is their understanding of how people work. For example, the bubbling rules were originally one other family then it increased. Anecdotally, many people are no longer strictly following this recommendation and I believe the government is aware of this. In this case, even the existence of the recommendation is a mitigation tactic as it will cause, at least some people, to reduce their contact. Similar to mask wearing, staying within a bubble now both does nothing currently and may also do something for the future. While the government can take a strong stance for masks they are also aware that not everyone will follow the mandate exactly and some places may not enforce it.
This isn’t a post to argue for or against the wearing of masks or following any of the other recommendations and guidelines. It’s just some information to be considered as we all decide what is best personally and for our families.
