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Letter to the Editor: Who Should “Mask Up”?

Confusion about wearing a mask in public – or not – is kind of like riding ocean swells in a foundering ship. 

The professionals can’t even agree on protocol. The CDC reversed its position last month and began recommending that everyone wear a mask in public amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

However, the WHO – in a video on its website – says that healthy people should wear a mask only when caring for someone infected with COVID-19. 

“If you do not have any [respiratory] symptoms such as fever, cough or runny nose, you do not need to wear a mask,” says WHO public-health specialist Dr. April Baller. “Masks should only be worn by health-care workers, caretakers or people who are sick with symptoms of fever and cough.” 

The CDC, in contrast, says individuals – regardless of infection – should wear a mask or face covering in public to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

What does this mean for me? How do I interpret the advice of “professionals?” I “mask up” in places where others feel more comfortable with me wearing one. I “mask up” for the comfort of others.

Chuck Howell

Sister Bay, Wisconsin

[Editor’s Note: The WHO information described above was last updated on April 29, 2020.]