Why we all need to mask up
Hidalgo’s order
Regarding “Just wear the mask” (A11, April 28): This letter is directed only to those who can’t seem able to get it in their heads why we need to wear a mask. Steven Hotze, I’m talking to you.
Why should you and I wear a mask? Simple, we cut down the possible transmission of the coronavirus. Let me give you a little lesson. An N95 mask is to protect someone from getting the virus: ingress, breathing stuff in. But I don’t own an N95 mask. Hence, if I wear the three-layered cloth mask created by my talented housemate, I am protecting you from getting whatever I have: egress, breathing stuff out. I am not sneezing on you or coughing on you or even breathing on you when talking with you.
Now, if we both wear a mask, no one is spewing anything on anyone. You and I can both walk into the local grocery store and be OK. I can walk over to the cashier and be OK because we are both wearing a mask. That is why wearing a mask is not a tyrannical move by our county judge. It is a way of not spreading a deadly disease. Can I make this any simpler to you? And yes, Jared Woodfill, I’m talking to you.
A lot of other counties in Texas have ordered citizens to put on masks in public and there has been no great outcry like in Harris County.
The county judge’s directive to Stay Home, Work Safe has kept us all safer. Now, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo needs all of us to wear our masks in public so we can really get those awful numbers of infection down.
Do your bit and put on a mask! Maria C. Gonzalez, Houston
Eateries using tech
The COVID-19 pandemic has been extremely stressful for Texas businesses. In the past few weeks, I have heard of many fellow Houston restaurant owners forced to make the difficult decision to close their doors.
My own small business, Dessert Gallery Bakery & Café, has had to make quick adjustments to continue to serve the community and ensure a healthy and safe environment for staff and customers.
Thanks to technology, we have been able to continue serving our customers through carryout, curbside and delivery. Some delivery apps such as Doordash have temporarily reduced their commission to make it more affordable to be on their service. Google’s tools for small businesses have helped us keep customers informed through our ads and our Google My Business profile, not to mention our 800-plus Google reviews. Social media platforms have also allowed us to stay engaged and connected with our customers.
We are passionate about giving back to our community in any way we can, and we recently launched a campaign to make life a little bit sweeter for those folks on the front lines of the health crisis by donating meals to Houston-area hospitals.
Technology platforms have made getting through this pandemic a possibility by giving us the tools to continue serving our customers. I’m thankful for their help in ensuring that our bakery — and many small businesses like ours — will be around to serve Houstonians for years to come. Sara Brook, owner and CEO of Dessert Gallery Bakery & Cafe