Do you wear a mask to the grocery store?
At all levels of government we are being encouraged to wear non-medical masks in public when we can’t maintain physical distancing of two metres.
But take a walk downtown and you will see that mask-wearing appears to be the anomaly, and not the trend.
It is not the law, but our top provincial and federal doctors have agreed with the idea that wearing a homemade cloth mask might help in the spreading COVID-19.
And if wearing one could help continue to protect our essential workers and community members who are elderly or immunocompromised, then I am all for it.
Businesses are operating under strict new guidelines and we should do our part as patrons to follow guidelines and recommendations as best we can. We should set the example for our visitors.
Breakouts of the virus, although perhaps inevitable on some scale, will delay our recovery. We have only recently been restored these freedoms and we should do what we can to protect them.
I have heard from people who are scared to go to the grocery store or post office because of the low use of masks. I have witnessed, in the grocery store, an elderly woman clad in mask and gloves be jostled past by others not taking the same precautions.
“Masks are seen as a sign of sickness, but really they should be seen as a sign of politeness and respect,” said Dr. Declan Unsworth as he and his fellow Jasper doctors encouraged the community to follow public health recommendations, more than a month ago.
Free masks are now available for residents and visitors at locations around Jasper, including Servus Credit Union, Jasper Royal Canadian Legion, Jasper Education and Employment Centre, and the Emergency Services Building.
Please, follow guidelines. Alberta Health recommends using a mask when it is difficult to maintain a two-metre distance from people for a prolonged period of time, on public transit, in grocery stores and pharmacies, hair salons and barbershops, and some retail stores.
Officials say masks should complement – not replace – other prevention measures, so continue to physically distance yourself from others and keep good hand hygiene, and stay home when you are feeling sick.
We are regaining some normality to our lives and the town is starting to buzz with visitors. Let’s do what we can to help keep our community safe.
Fuchsia Dragon
