Get vaccinated, but don’t diss the mask

I’m pleased that a recent letter writer has encouraged E-R readers to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and even provided online info on how to sign up for those vaccine shots (“Get vaccinated, but end maskshaming,” Opinions 4/6/21). Vaccinations currently benefit 18.8% (or 62.4 million) of the total U.S. population.

Unfortunately, I’m disappointed that the writer completely disses mask wearing and social distancing, which are among the only currently effective protections for the rest of those Americans (81.2% or 269.5 million) that have not yet been vaccinated. The basic message seems to be “good luck, you are on your own.”

The writer puzzlingly uses the medical journals ‘The Lancet’” and “Frontiers in Public Health” to justify his opinions. However, this is from The Lancet: “Keeping at least one metre from other people as well as wearing face coverings and eye protection, in and outside of health-care settings, could be the best way to reduce the chance of viral infection or transmission of COVID-19.”

This is from “Frontiers in Public Health”: “Protective measures, such as social distancing and face masks, are essential to mitigate efforts against the virus.”

Here is the ongoing advice from the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services: “How do you protect yourself from the new forms of the coronavirus? Wear a mask that fits, keep six feet apart, avoid crowds, and get vaccinated when it’s your turn. All of it still works, so keep it up.” More detailed information can be obtained from cdc.gov/coronavirus.

— Mark S. Gailey, Chico