Don’t judge others in mask debate

Let me just start off by saying “Wear a mask or don’t wear a mask but, either way, do not judge or ridicule those who choose to do the opposite of you.” I personally choose to wear a mask and was doing so before the City of Lethbridge mandated mask wearing in all indoor facilities.

To all those anti-maskers out there that feel their rights are being infringed upon, I ask you, why do you think your rights supersede those of us who choose to mask? I’ve seen people sharing information from both sides of this debate.

Those who choose to not wear a mask still expect businesses and people to provide them services and say that it is a violation of their rights to be refused. What about the rights of the person that is being forced to serve you? They may feel unsafe so it should be within their right to refuse you face-to-face service? Perhaps that person wearing a mask is a member of the vulnerable portion of the population. Perhaps they are afraid of contracting COVID-19 from people that choose not to wear a mask.

None of us know the longreaching effects of this novel virus and we likely won’t for a long time. As the pandemic continues we are all getting tired of our changing realities but we need to protect our vulnerable and stay as safe as possible. No one could have predicted it lasting as long as it has or know how long it will continue. Let’s all remember how we faced this pandemic in the beginning and we stood united. As time goes on we are becoming divided and cruel to others who have different mindset. One of my favourite sayings and motto I try to live by is “In a world where you can be anything, be kind!”

Gail Shaw

Coalhurst