Back to SCHOOL with MASKS.
Let’s stop
talking about the “OLD Norm” when wearing a MASK was a FASHION statement. The
question today is, “Is mandating masks in public a violation of human rights?”
This brings me to compare 2 countries who have embraced the “NEW Norm” in reopening of schools. Two contrasting scenarios have emerged with views so different, they lie on opposite ends of the spectrum.
Cities in California, Michigan, Florida and Arizona have mandated the use of masks. A rife in arguments escalated immediately with mask opponents voicing a violation against their first and fifth amendment rights.
In San Clemente, California, some parents have strongly objected to social distancing and wearing of masks in schools. They say these measure will hurt their children’s well-being.
In San Clemente, California, some parents have strongly objected to social distancing and wearing of masks in schools. They say these measure will hurt their children’s well-being.
US cases hit record high with 67,632 new cases reported in 24 hours (Thurs 16.7). California reported its second highest single-day increase in cases and deaths just two days ago (Wed 15.7), with 11,125 new cases and 140 additional deaths, but views like:
😷 “Don’t tell me my kid has
to wear a mask, I don’t need to be dictated to tell me how best to raise my kids,”
😼 “Keep facial
expressions visually available,”
😿 “NO to
masks, YES to recess, Let me Breathe,” still prevail in San Clemente.
In Malaysia,
such views will not be entertained. You can "think" it, but that's as far as it goes!!
By next Wednesday July 22, after 4 months 3 days of home
isolation, ALL primary and secondary
students aged 6 – 17 years would have returned to
face-to-face interaction with their friends and teachers.
However, back to school comes with a mandatory
implementation of a 36-page school reopening
management guideline released on June 4th.
Is there a Right or Wrong here? Teachers measure the 1 metre distance between desks as required in the guidelines.
Malaysians
have “obeyed” social distancing, wearing of masks and other mandatory guidelines since March 18th.
Masks do not stop viral transmission, its function is towards stopping the spread of droplets from the wearer to others. Use of face masks is now NOT compulsory as transmission of the virus is low, with Malaysia experiencing only sporadic outbreaks. In March, we experienced triple-digit daily new cases, today it has been reduced to single-digit.
If this is what “obeying’ has produced, I would say “obeying” has had positive outcomes. Do we Malaysians equate “obeying” with perhaps common sense, or is it because we trust our health care sector who better understands the Covid-19 scenario?
If this is what “obeying’ has produced, I would say “obeying” has had positive outcomes. Do we Malaysians equate “obeying” with perhaps common sense, or is it because we trust our health care sector who better understands the Covid-19 scenario?
If other countries term THESE rules
as “violation of human rights,” then
"TO EACH HIS OWN." I rather be SAFE than DEAD.
"TO EACH HIS OWN." I rather be SAFE than DEAD.
Note: This
is not a political piece, but a personal view.
Acknowledgement: All pictures in this post are from The Star, the people's paper
Acknowledgement: All pictures in this post are from The Star, the people's paper
