Going shopping in Fresno? You must have a mask on first, and that’s a good thing
As of Thursday morning, any Fresnan who wants to go out in public or into any store that is open is being told to wear a face mask.
That is one of the requirements in the city’s updated emergency order in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The order became effective at 12:01 a.m.
“Use of protective facial coverings is required when visiting businesses and public places, as defined by this order,” it reads. The only exceptions are for children under age 2, or those with medical conditions that don’t allow facial covering.
Further, business employees must wear masks, and stores are expected to deny entry to “any individual who is not wearing a protective facial covering.”
Fresno can distinguish itself from other communities in America where people have revolted against a mask requirement. Let’s pull together, do the right thing, and wear facial coverings as required. And remember this: It won’t be forever.
Bad examples
Employees at stores in Stillwater, Oklahoma were “threatened with physical violence and showered with verbal abuse” within hours of a city requirement being issued for facial coverings, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Missouri governor Mike Parson visited a thrift store in one town operated by Disabled American Veterans. The vets wore masks, the governor did not. “I don’t think that’s government’s role to mandate who wears a mask and who don’t,” he said. “I go back to what I’ve said all along: It’s your personal responsibility.”
The nation’s most egregious example of mask mayhem comes from Flint, Michigan, where a store security guard was gunned down last Friday after he told a woman she had to wear a mask to enter.
Such criminal behavior is in stark contrast to the America of more than 100 years ago when confronted with the Spanish flu. That disease would ultimately infect 500 million and kill 50 million worldwide.
In October 1918, alarmed at the growing number of infections, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed the Influenza Mask Ordinance. Mask wearing became the law anytime outside the home.
Rampant selfishness
The shooting death of 43-year-old Calvin Munerlyn is a tragedy born out of selfishness on the part of those who did not have their faces covered as required.
Indeed, that is the only way to explain why anyone would not put on a face mask in these times.
Masks serve two purposes: To keep the wearer from getting the COVID-19 virus, and to keep an infected wearer from giving the disease to others.
Masks were not required by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control at the start of the coronavirus pandemic because the CDC did not yet understand how easy it was to transmit the disease. Nor was it yet known that some could have the disease without showing symptoms.
Once the virus’ spread and asymptomatic aspects were understood, the CDC recommended covering one’s face.
The CDC notes that use of facial coverings, when combined with social distancing of 6 feet from another person, is a good strategy for staying healthy.
Common sense
To stop the spread of COVID-19, wear a cloth mask at a minimum and practice healthy social distancing of at least six feet distance from others.
More tips offered by public health officials: Shelter at home; don’t go to social engagements or host large family parties. Practice good personal hygiene by washing hands frequently and using sanitizer when wash facilities aren’t available.
Get outside and take a walk or bike ride but do so alone or with one healthy family member. A mask does not need to be worn until another person nears.
The bottom line for Fresno’s new order is this: A police officer will not arrest someone for not wearing a mask. The city seeks voluntary compliance. But having nose and mouth covered is the fairest, safest and easiest step toward getting Fresno fully reopened as quickly as possible.
Let’s overcome selfishness and arrogance, and all do our part.