MANDATORY MASKS

When news first circulated about the Atlantic bubble, Islanders were ecstatic to get a break from the seclusion of quarantine. Unfortunately, the bubble has presented some major challenges including the conflicting mandated mask rules within the three provinces.

In both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, wearing a mask or facecovering in public is mandatory everywhere. Prince Edward Island has chosen to keep masks optional in most public places, with the exception of a few locations. While we as Islanders have done very well to prevent the spread of the virus so far, we need to remember that the pandemic isn’t over. Introducing visitors from locations with much higher rates of the virus and allowing them to visit without wearing masks is undoing the hard work we have put in. The Atlantic bubble is a fantastic asset for local businesses, but it should not be putting our workers and the general public at risk.

While it is challenging to dictate such a vast and controlling policy, it isn’t impossible. Our community has proven time and time again its ability to come together and follow plans from the province. It would be in our best interest to consider following the lead of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Not wearing a mask in public should not be seen as a privilege we have earned. Wearing a mask is a simple request that a person should not only feel compelled to do to protect themselves but should do for the common decency of others.

Emma McLure, UPEI student,

Charlottetown