I have dutifully worn my my mask at work since COVID first crawled from the viral premordium and made itself known. I did not object. I wore my N-95 and face shield, goggles, gown, etc when caring for the critically ill.
I was vaccinated with two Moderna injections and one booster.
I washed my hands, and sanitized them, and continue to do so.
I encouraged vaccination and masking.
And yet, now I have to ask, when will we stop wearing masks in our medical centers? I don’t mean with those who have obvious symptoms, or those who are very ill. Of course, I’ll still wear a mask.
I don’t say this to be flippant, or to suggest that COVID isn’t real. I don’t say it as an anti-vaxxer as I am obviously not.
But we’re still wearing masks in our hospitals all the time, whether we suspect COVID or not, and even in the face of pretty widespread vaccination.
So I ask my friends and colleagues, honestly, what’s the end-point here? When will we stop routinely wearing masks in response to COVID?
In China, Xi has imposed draconian measures with the goal of ‘zero COVID.’ But anyone with a grasp of the issue knows that it is endemic and zero COVID is a fantasy.
Are we hoping for zero COVID? If so, what makes us think that is even possible?
Is masking a way of demonstrating one’s belief in COVID? Is it the physical evidence of a kind of creed?
The Covene Creed
‘I believe in COVID, destroyer of worlds,
And in every measure necessary sent down from on high.
I believe in vaccines, in masking, in lockdowns and isolation.
I believe in Anthony Fauci, in the CDC, the WHO and everyone else and every possible pandemic measure,
Until the end of time.
Amen.’
So I ask, what is the target? When will we stop?
And if the answer is never, then let’s just be honest about it.
Sadly I don't think masks in a healthcare setting are going away soon. We seem to be in another significant Covid surge at my shops...admitting even vaccinated and boosted patients this evening. The nurses are getting lax about getting patients to mask but I insist on patients and visitors masking when the nurses or docs are in the room. We are all sick of masking and being the mask police but an awful lot of my colleagues are out with Covid lately. However, out in the real world I am not making when shopping, traveling, etc.
Let’s not ask tough questions.
I do not think masks will ever go away.
I will at least be able to stop wearing a mask when I retire in six years, IF I live that long….
Sadly I don't think masks in a healthcare setting are going away soon. We seem to be in another significant Covid surge at my shops...admitting even vaccinated and boosted patients this evening. The nurses are getting lax about getting patients to mask but I insist on patients and visitors masking when the nurses or docs are in the room. We are all sick of masking and being the mask police but an awful lot of my colleagues are out with Covid lately. However, out in the real world I am not making when shopping, traveling, etc.
Very good question! I’d like to know the answer as well!
When will police officers stop wearing bulletproof vests? Do the vest insure 100% safety? Should everyone wear a vest ?