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Sidni-Marie Jean

Professor Doggette

ENC 1101

24 April 2023

Why the Mask Mandate is Important

In the year of 2020, we were first introduced to COVID-19 and the world was forever

changed since then. We had to learn how to adapt ourselves to this “new world” and all of the

changes that came along with it. In the midst of us dealing with this new pandemic, we were

instructed to wear masks and stay within 6 feet of each other in public locations or even around

family members, to prevent the spread of the illness. Many people in the country didn’t think that

wearing a mask would be very effective and wouldn’t make a difference about the numbers of

people with COVID. This may be understandable for others, but that statement is untrue. The

positives of wearing a mask are heavily outweighed by the negatives; the importance of wearing

masks is to prevent the spread and is used to ensure the protection of you and others around you.

In tis paper, I will break down the importance of wearing a mask.

To begin with, wearing masks is known to reduce the spread of the illness. According to

an allergist named Purvi Parikh, says that surgical masks and cloth coverings van reduce viral

transmission by 70% if everyone wears it correctly over their nose and mouth (Health). Face

masks and personal protective equipment are important tools that are used to protect the wearer

and others against COVID-19 (EPA). The use of masks is fundamental to how the virus would

spread: the spread of COVID is by particles that pass through the air that can be inhaled or that

come into direct contact with eyes, nose, or mouth. These germs are most likely released by a
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person’s sneezing, coughing, or even talking. The benefit of wearing a mask allows for both the

mouth and nose to be fully covered from contracting the disease or spreading it more and creates

a sort of a filter that can inhibit the germ particles from entering into your respiratory system.

Another reason why it is important that masks should be worn is because it protects the

virus from you and from others. Adding onto the last paragraph wearing the mask protect the

public and yourself. No matter what level of COVID-19 you are, a mask should always be worn,

because even without known symptoms of the illness you could still be carrying it around. If you

were to wear a mask it could not only be harmful for you in the king run but also people who are

at a higher risk of catching the illness. The risk of developing dangerous symptoms of COVID-

19 may be increased in people with older age, serious health problems such as – heart/lung

conditions, weekend immune systems, obesity, or diabetes (Mayo Clinic). Its important that we

wear our masks because many people can have more life-threatening effects to them if they were

to be in contact with someone who didn’t wear a mask.

Some people may argue that wearing make isn’t that important and shouldn’t be enforced

in our daily lives. In an article by the San Diego Union Tribune, it was said by Ashton Forbes

that with new evidence and data coming to light regarding the science and severity of the specific

virus, it has become ever more prevalent the requirement to wear a facial covering is not

effective in stopping the spread of COVID-19 (The San Diego Union). This is untrue because

have I have mentioned throughout the paper wearing a mask is used for the prevention and safety

of others. In new research it is sown that the risk of infection to the wearer is decreased by 65

percent (UC Davis). There are circumstances when not wearing mask is acceptable but those are

for younger children, and people with mental and physical illnesses.
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To conclude, wearing your mask is important to yourself an others around. It reduces the

chance of the illness to be widespread through the country, and also helps with the health of

others around you. Wearing your mask is important for the society as a whole because it allows

for us to stay safe and cautious of our own wellbeing.

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Works Cited

EPA. “EPA Researchers Test Effectiveness of Face Masks, Disinfection Methods Against
COVID-19”. United States Environmental Protection Agency. 5 April 2021. EPA
Researchers Test Effectiveness of Face Masks, Disinfection Methods Against COVID-19
| US EPA

Kushman, Rick. “Your Masks Cuts Own Risk by 65 Percent”. UC Davis. 6 Jul 2020. Your Mask
Cuts Own Risk by 65 Percent | UC Davis

Mayo Clinic Staff. “COVID-19:Who’s at higher risk of serious symptoms?”. Mayo Clinic. 27
Sept. 2022. COVID-19: Who's at higher risk of serious symptoms? - Mayo Clinic

Wrath, Gary. “San Diego resident sues county over mask orders.” The San Diego Union-
Tribune. 2 Jun 2020. San Diego resident sues county over mask orders - The San Diego Union-
Tribune (sandiegouniontribune.com)

Washington-Harmon, Taylyn. “4 Reasons You Should Wear A Mask When Recommended”.

Health. 7 Oct 2022. Reasons to Wear a Mask (health.com)