In response to your OpEd [“Editorial: Time to mask up?”] in the July 24 Powell River Peak on the subject of extending the use of face masks, emphatically, no!
There is no good evidence that masks have a significant effect on reducing transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Many commercially available masks carry a statement to the effect that they are not suitable for medical use and do not offer protection from bacteria and viruses.
Homemade masks are probably hopelessly ineffective. On the other hand, there could actually be some negative effects on the wearer’s health, physical and/or psychological.
Choosing to wear a mask should be up to the individual if they believe a benefit is provided, but enforcement by businesses is totally unacceptable to me. Look at the context: how many cases have there been in the whole Powell River area? Fewer than five according to Vancouver Coastal Health. So what are we protecting against?
Too many people have been made fearful by all the constant talk, lectures, statistics and alleged terrible outcomes, all grossly exaggerated with the result that sheeple will do just about anything that is suggested by “experts” without a second thought, through fear.
Stop talking about the “new normal.” Start being rational and let’s aim toward the real normal as soon as possible, without masks.
Martin Hill, Lund
