It has been two years since the introduction of face masks, and people have chosen their sides—to wear or not to wear. Doctors and scientists have chosen the side of wearing masks as the way to go. Bingham students are split, and some are wearing masks while others do not. And we all share the same confusions on manners surrounding masks. Whether or not you wear a mask, we all need to know the facts.

The article “EPA Researchers Test Effectiveness of Face Masks, Disinfection Methods Against COVID-19” by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shared exactly what percentage of bacteria and air particles each type of mask filters out. With KN95 masks with the highest filtration rate at over 95% to a three-layer knitted cotton mask with ear loops at 26.5%. No matter the filtration level, any mask is better than no mask. Masks work best when everyone wears them.

At school, we all know the people who never wear a mask, the people who will wear one during mandates, and those who wear them all the time. Miles Miller, a senior at Bingham high school who chooses not to wear a mask, said, “I’d rather get a little sick than [wear] something on my face for hours.” Miller shared that if someone comes up to him and asks him to wear one, he will, but otherwise, he will go without. Miller thinks it is ironic that the government officials creating the mask mandates aren’t wearing masks themselves. And that isn’t that fair. 

In contrast, Eliza DeFazio, a senior at Bingham high school, shared their reasons for wearing a mask. “I wear a mask because most of my family is immunocompromised, and I don’t want them to get sick.” DeFazio wishes more people would wear masks but knows that “forcing them is not the way.” Even if it is inconvenient, wearing a mask is considerate to those around you because you never know if they may get really sick by catching COVID-19. 

When you are wearing a mask, you may wonder about the etiquette you should follow. For example, if you sneeze, is it mask on or off? If you need to sneeze and have the time to do so, I recommend leaving the room to remove your mask. No one wants a moist sneeze inside their mask because that could promote bacterial growth and might get you sick. Make sure when you sneeze, you remember the first-grade rule of covering your mouth with your elbow. In the worst-case scenario, I recommend having a backup mask just in case you need to replace one that has been sneezed in. 

Now, what is the best way to eat in big groups? If it is a small snack like pretzels, popcorn, or something that can easily fit under a mask, keep the mask on the whole time and put the food into your mouth from the bottom of the mask. If you are having a full meal, like at lunch, and you are comfortable, just take the mask off and put it back on after you finish eating. But if you want to be sure to social distance while eating, try sitting in a hallway spread out. Alternatively, when it’s warmer, you could sit outside because there is lots of space for social distance.

Whether or not you wear a mask is your choice. Mask or no mask, remember to be considerate of those around you and respect their decisions. Covid fatigue is affecting us all, but maybe, if we all comply for just a while longer, life can return to the way it was before.