Launched TUESDAY November 24, 2020: 'Behind MY Mask' from ZUMA Press award winning photojournalist KATHARINE KIMBALL, who interviewed, Oregonians about mask wearing during COVID-19. Health officials say it would change American lives for the better, if it became a cultural norm in the U.S. for people to wear masks when they're under the weather or in crowded areas. In Japan or South Korea, locals might get dirty looks if they hop on a subway with a sniffle and no mask. Thru out America rallies protesting masks, as a violation of their personal freedom. Meanwhile for others it is the new normal, as they have gotten used to wearing them in public. Like the seat belt a generation ago. Public health experts believe that American culture could fundamentally shift to embrace this new hygiene practices. What do the you think? Welcome to: 'Behind MY Mask'
© Scott Mc Kiernan Presents zReportage.com Story of the Week #763: Launched TUESDAY November 24, 2020: 'Behind MY Mask' from ZUMA Press award winning photojournalist KATHARINE KIMBALL, who interviewed, Oregonians about mask wearing during COVID-19. Health officials say it would change American lives for the better, if it became a cultural norm in the U.S. for people to wear masks when they're under the weather or in crowded areas. In Japan or South Korea, locals might get dirty looks if they hop on a subway with a sniffle and no mask. Thru out America rallies protesting masks, as a violation of their personal freedom. Meanwhile for others it is the new normal, as they have gotten used to wearing them in public. Like the seat belt a generation ago. Public health experts believe that American culture could fundamentally shift to embrace this new hygiene practices. What do the you think? Welcome to: 'Behind MY Mask'
KAI NEWCOMB, 18, of Portland, wears a mask together with cape and hat during an outdoor high school graduation celebration at his home. Face masks are the ubiquitous symbol of a pandemic that has sickened 35 million people and killed more than 1 million. In hospitals and other health-care facilities, the use of medical-grade masks clearly cuts down transmission of the Covid-19 coronavirus. But for the variety of masks in use by the public, the data are messy, disparate and often hastily assembled.
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BARBARA ENKELIS, whose nickname is 'Bingo Barbie', wears a mask designed to resemble a Bingo card. Enkelis has been the Bingo Caller for 27 years at Cedar Sinai Park, an assisted living and long-term care facility in Portland. A co-worker made this mask resembling a Bingo card for her. 'I dream about Bingo, and sometimes shout out letters and numbers in my sleep until my husband nudges me,' she said adding, 'It's hard for me to wear a mask because I don't shut up, and it fogs up my glasses.'
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HILARY NICHOLS, 28, 'This mask (I made it) was my halloween costume last year, it's modeled off the Skeksis characters from The Dark Crystal. Now with the pandemic, I added a mouth/nose covering to it. Making it into a face covering has given me an opportunity to wear my Skeksis mask on other days beyond Halloween, which honestly makes me very happy. I never wore a mask before the pandemic, but now that masks are a necessary part of our social fabric I kind of hope that this practice sticks around. Our American culture is very individualistic, and wearing a mask is a practice in caring for the collective. Wearing a mask takes some getting used to. I need to be more expressive with my eyes and it's super hard to communicate sometimes. As a person of color with light skin privilege, I don't experience any discrimination or hostility for wearing one. My experience is in contrast to many others, for example I know a lot of my Asian friends have received racist remarks when they wear a mask in public, and we can never forget about Elijah McClain who was murdered by the police because someone thought he looked ''suspicious'' because of the ski mask he wore to keep himself warm due to his anemia.
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DAPHNE COOK, 22, says 'I used my fabrics and brought them to a friend who helped me make 40-50 masks for co-workers at Green Zebra Grocery. I don't like wearing it, but I'll wear it for other people's protection. The only time I've had to wear a mask pre-COVID was in ceramics when working with glaze chemicals. At the beginning of the quarantine, I hated wearing a mask. My face would itch my ears would hurt from the straps and emotionally, I felt insecure that I looked bad with it on. After 3 months of wearing one for 8 plus hours, 5 days a week, I find I feel very uncomfortable without it on in public. When I take it off to eat at work, I always feel like something's missing. When I get home and take it off for the day, I feel like my face is free. I get a lot of compliments on my masks. I try to wear my mask whenever I'm at work, on the bus, walking home, etc. Basically whenever I'm not home or in the break room at work. I think it's important to wear a mask when in public. Not only are you keeping yourself protected, but you're also protecting other people, even people you have no contact with. I don't 100% LOVE wearing a mask but at least I can personalize them and have fun with it!'
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IAMMOSHOW 'The Cat Rapper' (iAmMoshow), 30, says, ''I never needed a mask before all of this started to happen. Honestly I have a bunch of cat lovers who are big supporters of mine and they send me gifts which is where I got this mask from. It feels good to wear it, I feel at least somewhat protected. Wearing this mask doesn't bother me at all. I look at it as extra fashion right now. I wear my mask everywhere I go. I think it's important that I wear my mask to protect myself and others.
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DAYNA VELASCO, Energy Healer at Lunasol Polarity Therapy, says,''I chose this sugar skull mask because of my Mexican heritage. In our culture, we choose to step closer to death by celebrating the Day of the Dead. This helps alleviate some of the fears associated with dying. This mask makes me feel more brave about facing the pandemic. Wearing a mask is essential to my work as an energy healer. Now that my practice has opened back up, I am always protecting myself and my clients. This mask was made by my friend Mari in New Mexico, who has made hundreds of masks for front line workers and many others.
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BRENT SIMONSON, 62, of Hillsboro, Oregon, says, 'Even though there seems to be much that is not yet known about Covid-19, the suggestions from experts seem to keep making the argument for using masks stronger and stronger as time goes by. I feel it is necessary for the current crisis, but I wish it were not. This is mainly because it inhibits human connection to some degree and we all are even more anonymous in public settings while wearing masks. I'm glad the mask I have draws a laugh or comment occasionally, as this can be an opening for a little more conversation than might otherwise be taking place these days. I'm hoping this effort will indeed be protecting people in high risk groups who I might be encountering in public, in case I could become an asymptomatic carrier of the virus. I'm very glad that such a large percentage of people here in the Portland area are taking this measure so seriously, since I have people in my own family and circle of friends who are in those high risk groups, and will thus be better protected. It's uncomfortable and inconvenient. There's no doubt about that, but this is one of those things we need to do to stop the spread.
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CALICO RANDALL, 23, of Portland, Oregon, says, 'I've never needed to wear a face mask prior to the pandemic because I have always stayed indoors while being sick. This is a new experience for me because a lot of the carriers of COVID-19 aren't aware that they have the disease! I have lots of masks for all different occasions now! This particular mask was gifted to me. Physically, I've gotten breakouts from wearing the mask for so long, but then I just put the mask on again and no one sees it, ha! Mentally and personally, I don't have any issue wearing masks. It is an extremely easy thing to do that helps stop the spread of the virus significantly. I don't understand all the drama and controversy about it. It seems like a very basic thing to do, and the only reasons I can see people arguing against it, arguing for their ''freedom'' is if they have a selfish lack of respect for the wellbeing of others. It's been all positive. I've never gotten a negative reaction from wearing a mask in public. I get anxious when I don't have my mask on now! I always wear a mask when I am inside of a building, home, etc. with the general public. I have a horse and I don't wear it in the barn, but it's really open there so it can barely even be considered being indoors! I wear it at protests, or whenever I'm hiking and within 10 feet of another person. The only excuse for not wearing a mask in public is pure selfish ignorance. If everyone wears a mask around each other, we can stop the spread of the virus. There are so many studies and cases to prove this. It's frustrating to have to explain it over and over again!
© Katharine Kimball/ZUMA Wire
ANTHONY HARRIS, SR, Drill Master for the Royal Rosarians in Portland, wears a mask during annual Rose Festival parade. The parade was a drive thru version with a handful of vehicles and attendees weaving through a neighborhood in Northeast Portland. The Royal Rosarians are the official greeters and goodwill Ambassadors for the City of Portland.
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TERRY O'TOOLE of Portland, Oregon says, 'I work with at-risk youth at a treatment facility and I brought my miniature therapy horses to visit the youth living there prior to the pandemic. Animal assisted therapy is on hold currently due to the pandemic so I thought I'd research a company who would make a mask for me with a photo of my miniature horses on it to make it more fun when I have to wear a mask at work with the kids. I found this one on ETSY made by a guy in Tennessee. At first wearing a mask in public was awkward and I felt people not wearing masks were judging me.It's definitely gotten easier and more of the norm for me. I've purchased several fun masks mainly with unicorns and horses on them. I keep a few clean masks with me at all times especially in my vehicle so I have them for quick trips to the store or even in drive throughs now I put one on. I am required to wear them at work. I wear them in all public places not only indoors but I have one on outdoors, too, where I come into contact with others. I even take one hiking and put it on every time I pass someone on the trail and keep it on for a while after passing them. It's definitely very important to wear a mask in public to help get this virus under control. It's been proven with crowds of people not wearing masks and taking precautions has increased the spread of this virus. It might seem like an inconvenience to some people but it's really a small and easy way to help protect our communities and one another.'
© Katharine Kimball/ZUMA Wire
SHANE LE, talks about his respirator mask he wears on his way to the grocery store, Safeway. 'This is one of my more intense masks. I specifically wear this type for heavily populated areas including the grocery store. I also wear it for my own protection. I'm Taiwanese and as a Person of color, I often feel there is a certain kind of fear. The mask mitigates the racism and micro aggressions I encounter. People don't know what to think and leave me alone. I'm either a stereotype as a male of color or it's 'science fiction' enough that people think it's silly. You can't imagine the looks I get when I wear a smaller mask.'
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LAMARRA HAYNES, 26, said when asked about wearing her mask in public, 'It's not about my individual comfort. The way people present their illness isn't for me to judge. I'm Black, and Black and Indigenous people are hit hard. I'm honoring their safety and rights to exist and occupy space. Wearing a mask is necessary to help others. I hope it becomes a regular part of how we face sickness. Maybe masks will make people more compassionate because even though sickness is viewed as an individual problem, it is a communal issue. Hopefully that dawns on people more.'
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REV. CARY RENIVA, Pastor, at St. Cecilia Church in Beaverton, wears a mask during a drive through blessing for Pentecost. Rev. Reniva said, ''Prior to the pandemic, I only had to wear a mask whenever I had to visit or anoint someone in the hospital or at a nursing facility. I had to wear one to protect them if there's anything that I was bringing from the outside that could compromise their health. Several parishioners graciously gave me masks. Physically, it takes time to get used to it. I am ''claustrophobic'' so it's a challenge for me not to be able to breathe freely. But I feel a personal responsibility that I should not be a cause of infection for others so mentally it gives me peace knowing that I am protecting others from something that I might not be aware that I have, like an infection. Personally, I support wearing a mask as this has been proven scientifically to lessen the spread of infection. I always wear it when I am in public, and whenever I talk to people face to face. At Mass, I wear it when I distribute communion. Just think of it as being loving towards yourself and your neighbor because we value not just our own health but the health of others. For me, it is as simple as that. If there's anything that I can do to protect my and your health and prolong your life and mine (like wearing a mask), I am more than willing to be inconvenienced even if wearing a mask makes me physically uncomfortable.'
© Katharine Kimball/ZUMA Wire
Skateboarder and professional 11 year-old, JOSIE was out enjoying a sunny day in Portland. Her mask, made by her mother, is one of three that she has. Josie shared her experience, 'It's a little bit weird wearing a mask. Sometimes I don't really like it. I understand that it's keeping me safe, so I want to wear it. It's not like I enjoy wearing it but I don't dislike wearing it either. I wear a mask everywhere except for when at home. I think it's important to wear a mask in public so that you don't spread the bad germs.'
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ANDRU PATTON, 27, of Portland, Oregon, says,'Masks.. no one could have expected an almost year pandemic and country wide face covering to happen. I've never worn a mask or had a job where i needed too. The first few times wearing a mask were the worst. I did not want wearing a mask to be my everyday life. To the store, to work, even on a walk outside. I didn't wanna do it but it's something i don't wanna chance either. It's uncomfortable, hard to breathe, a hassle, anxiety booster, etc. I Get it, mentally and physically. Trust me. Do i like wearing a mask? No. Do i understand the purpose for a mask? Yes. I wear my mask not only for my protection but to protect everyone else too. If i'm not home, i have my mask on all the time. Wherever i go. To protect our family, friends & neighbors we must continue to wear masks. It's an important essential now to help reduce the spread. It's an adjustment not being able to see faces and leaning in to hear what someone says every time. Wearing mask and keeping distance is the new trend we must follow to best overcome this unwanted year.'
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FARZANA KHALID, 55, ''We bought these masks for Hajj and wore them there to reduce the chance of catching cold and dust. During the pandemic, I feel protected and happy that people around the Portland area are being quite cooperative about it. Hope it stays that way and that we continue to be careful until at least a good vaccine is available for the public. Wearing a mask is a little stuffy but given what is at stake I am grateful to be still healthy and hope the same for all of us. I work from home, so I do not feel any need to go outside for anything other than for groceries and my regular walks. I wear the mask at the grocery only.'
© Katharine Kimball/ZUMA Wire
SNAX of Portland wears a mask on the street.
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MADALYN DAVIS, 19, Milwaukie, Oregon, talks about her experience wearing a mask, 'I have never needed to wear a mask before the pandemic. Wearing a mask at times can be uncomfortable, mentally I feel at ease because even though they might not be 100% effective at 60-80% protection rate is better then not wearing a mask at all. And personally I care about wearing a mask because I know I'm protecting more susceptible people every time I step outside my house! In public now I feel weird not wearing one. I feel much safer wearing it now especially since counties are opening up. I think that it is very important to wear a mask, symptomatic or not. A simple barrier on one person's face in the form of a mask can potentially prevent things getting inside you or things spreading out from inside you. There are too many people that now live in fear to step foot outside their house. Masks and social distancing are the simple things we can do to protect others and minimize the spread of the virus.'
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Prior to the COVID19 pandemic, MARQUEZ NUEZ had worn a bandana when working in the orchards of Hood River to protect himself from sprays and dust. When asked about wearing a bandana face covering now, he replies, 'I feel a little uncomfortable because I smile a lot and talk all day. It's harder to make others smile. It's not the same. He adds, 'More than anything it's important to wear to protect oneself and others. NUEZ, originally from Jalisco, is 56 and has worked in the orchards of Hood River for 35 years.
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NOEMI CORTES, Spanish Language Interpreter, Medical, Beaverton, Oregon, says, 'Wearing a mask makes me feel like I don't have a voice. It feels asphyxiating at times. Sometimes it's like I live in a zombie world where everybody's not smiling. With many people, it's how I like to communicate. It feels very uncomfortable. My throat gets dry and with the kind of work I perform, it makes me cough..Wearing a mask has made it tougher to do the kind of work that I do. Sometimes people don't hear me through the mask. And it's difficult to understand or hear providers or clients; their comments and questions. Sometimes I rely on reading lips. I wear a mask at work, at the stores and church; it's mandatory. And sometimes when there are more than two people around me, not because I want to do it, but it's because I want to be respectful. I guess it is important to wear a mask, although I still don't understand it, I want to be part of the solution and not of the problem.'
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ROBERT AMESSE, 70, of Portland, Oregon, says, 'I have no problem wearing it. I'm all for it. I have no desire to get on the COVID bus. I worked in radiation therapy for 30+ years and it's better safe than sorry. I don't think of myself as 70, but when I look at the news about COVID, 70 year-old people don't do well so that's a bit disconcerting. In this time of COVID 19, I can't imagine not wearing a mask.
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DR. DAWN JOELLA JACKSON, 49, Principal, ''I did construction work when I was younger and wore a mask when stripping floors, doing insulation or cutting wood. Much of the work I do is about connection. I am the principal at two schools, Helensview and Donald E. Long Detention. Our students have often felt isolated or rejected by the schools they have been at prior to Helensview. They come to us and we open our arms and let them know we are here for them on many levels. We build a community where we try and open as many doors as we can and give our students the opportunities their lives and experiences have kept them from. With a mask that is harder, but not impossible. We will find new ways to communicate and show our love for our students. My son and I went hiking in Clark county and were yelled at for being political. My son replied that it wasn't about politics but science. At work some Helensview families are confused and feel that somehow we are saying they are diseased. I have tried to have these conversations in ways they can hear me. It is going to be a constant conversation and a change to the way we have done things. I am thinking everyday about how to have these conversations and have them be effective. How do we get people to wear masks?'
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CAMERON STOKES of The Dalles, Oregon, says, 'Actually there was a time I had to wear a mask long long before there was even a scratch on the surface of this pandemic. I worked in a lumber mill. I would wake up most days with dried blood in my throat and nostrils..Physically wearing a mask has gotten a little old. Sometimes it's hard to breathe but it's truly for the best and the safety of everyone that could possibly be around me. Mentally there's not really much to it. Just gotta keep on truckin' ya know. We'll make it through this someday but I won't complain any time soon. My experience wearing a mask out in public is probably immaculate because I try to keep it on as much as possible to keep it a habit. But I have honestly been out in public way less than I've been out on my own exploring Oregon. I keep 3 masks in my car for when I leave the house if I need to go into a store or visit my friends families. My mask usually comes off when I get back to my car or when I get back home. It's highly important to wear a mask as much as possible. Especially due to state orders. We want to see a spike go down so that means anything necessary like keeping distance whilst even wearing a mask. I'm pretty sure the world wants to go back to how it used to be. But the rules must be followed.'
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WINDALU MEDRANO of Portland wears a mask that reads, 'This Was Preventable' while attending a protest against police brutality and racial injustice in Portland, Oregon.
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ANTONIA KABAKOV of The Dalles, Oregon, says, 'I have never had to wear a mask in my life. This mask was a gift from my daughter. She knew I would appreciate those words. I now have more than I ever imagined: masks with birds flying free, masks with flowers blossoming. It feels unnatural. It feels like a barrier to more than possible germs. Wearing a mask is physically uncomfortable. When wearing a mask I cannot push away the thoughts of why we are in this position and the many issues that arise when I consider how far we have come from our humanity. We have come so far that even wearing a mask to hopefully protect others becomes a political statement. I may not like wearing a mask but I will as long as it is necessary. It is not really a difficult adjustment. I would not voice even my discomforts with them had you not asked. The possible benefits make the small issues with them irrelevant. I think maybe as we pass strangers in the market wearing masks also we probably smile at each other; I know I smile. A smile cannot be seen of course through a mask yet there is a feeling of good will I sense from other mask wearers! I wear a mask when visiting my grandchildren outside in their yard. I wear a mask visiting friends in their yard. Wearing a mask is a small gesture that cries out to be simply the first baby step toward a new awakening to the truth that we as human beings are all in this life together and that it is incumbent upon us to become more actively concerned for others.
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BRIAN TIERNEY, 37, resident of Vancouver, Washington. Brian is a Referral and Operations Coordinator for NICH, a program at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland. Novel Interventions in Children's Healthcare works with families who have a child with a complex or chronic health condition. Brian says, 'Because we are at the forefront working with a community of medically fragile kids, we wanted to show solidarity, courtesy and be mindful of those who are immunocompromised. It's a necessary inconvenience and I'm happy to do it. My wife is immunocompromised and my mom is over 60.'
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DAISY MAGA-ORTEGA of Odell, Oregon, says, 'I bought it at a Black Lives Matter protest in The Dalles, Oregon, the mask is sweaty, very sweaty. But overall, I can't really complain. I can still breathe fine and if it means keeping myself and others safe, then I'm fine with it. Only annoying thing is that my glasses fog up a lot. I've gotten a few weird looks. One older white lady recently told me while I was at Walmart that, death was coming for me (she had no mask). I think it is extremely important to wear masks so that we can try and keep the virus from spreading even more. It's not just about keeping yourself healthy, it's also about keeping those around you healthy. If anyone argues otherwise, they are being completely selfish and ignorant. I think it is extremely important to wear masks so that we can try and keep the virus from spreading even more.
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JIM HAIR, 66, Photographer, says, ''The only time I've had to wear a mask previously was in the desert at Burning Man during dust storms. I did enjoy wearing a mask as a child (Roy Rogers) at Halloween, but otherwise wearing a mask in public was not allowed. I love to make photographs of strangers in the street, and my facial expression is important. I made a fabric print of my face smiling and my wife sewed it for me. It is not the same as being able to smile when meeting someone, but people are generally amused when they realize it's me, or they think it's Albert Einstein. Wearing a mask as protection is not as much fun physically as I'd like, and my glasses do fog up occasionally, but it's not a big deal. I've enjoyed seeing how creative people can be, and know it is important and temporary. Initially it was strange wearing a mask, but after a few days it has become a routine. Except for trips to the grocery store twice a month, my wife and I generally only leave the house to walk in a nearby park early mornings. It is important to wear a mask to protect other people primarily, and remind myself that we are passing through a time where we have to be more careful and mindful of our surroundings and our community. My grandfather was in the Navy during World War II and I think of his service and how little I am asked to do to keep others safe, and help to end this pandemic.
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TEE ANTONE says she has worn her mask since late March after seeing masks being worn in other countries. 'I work with senior citizens and even if my job didn't require it, I would wear one to protect myself and the elders I come into contact with.' Tina and two of her household members recovered from COVID19 and said 'There's nothing to be ashamed of.' TINA is Kamilthpa of Yakama Nation.
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STEVE FLOCK, 74, says,'Wearing a mask doesn't bother me at all. The only time I have trouble is trying to take it off and the ear straps get tangled with my hearing aids. I'm doing my part to try and keep this virus in check. If you listen to the scientists that's what they're telling us to do, but if you listen to the politicians, they don't have a clue. Most people are doing what they think is correct. There's a lot of people out there wearing masks. I put one on pretty much when I walk out the door except in my car. My wife Sharon Flock and I are in the high risk category. I'm 74 and have a heart condition and she has chronic asthma. It's not gonna hurt ya. Wear it!''
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SHARON FLOCK, 70, Beaverton with her 31 year-old parrot, Abilene. (married to Steve Flock featured in another photo). Sharon has made 1,400 masks and estimates she has donated 85% of them to foster homes, restaurant workers, grocery workers, firefighters, bank employees, veterinarian clinic staff and strangers she has encountered. 'I haven't done anything in the past 4 months except sew masks. I get up at 5:30 a.m. and don't quit until 11:30 p.m. I sew literally all day long just about every day. My husband calls me an Energizer bunny on steroids! I've always been so much more of a giver than a taker. We don't go out anywhere without a mask on. You have to wear a mask and you have to make it fun!
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NASTASHIA MINTO, 30, writer, poet, author, say's ''Wearing a mask all the time, everyday is pretty awful to be honest. It's uncomfortable and it's hot. Initially I was truly afraid because of everything happening racially like Black people getting stopped in stores and harassed. People already don't see my smile, and I felt like I was viewed as an even bigger threat. It just caused a lot of anxiety. Also, I wasn't sure of what type of mask to wear because I work in a healthcare field, but we didn't have what we needed. I do believe wearing a mask is important. I have been up and down with emotions for my grandfather who has been in the hospital for 3 weeks. He just got off a ventilator Monday, so I'm extremely grateful for that, but the side effect is that he had acute stage 3 kidney failure from this new strand of COVID19 which is attacking the vascular system. As selfish as some of us may want to be, there's also people who can't fight. Just be cognizant about other people. It's not just about me or just about you. No one knows how this virus is mutating.'
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NOEMI CORTES, Spanish Language Interpreter, says, 'Wearing a mask makes me feel like I don't have a voice. It feels asphyxiating at times. Sometimes it's like I live in a zombie world where everybody's not smiling. With many people, it's how I like to communicate. It feels very uncomfortable. My throat gets dry and with the kind of work I perform, it makes me cough. Wearing a mask has made it tougher to do the kind of work that I do. Sometimes people don't hear me through the mask. And it's difficult to understand or hear providers or clients; their comments and questions. Sometimes I rely on reading lips. I wear a mask at work, at the stores and church; it's mandatory. And sometimes when there are more than two people around me, not because I want to do it, but it's because I want to be respectful.'
© Katharine Kimball/ZUMA Wire
A Trump supporter poses before handing out MAGA hats with his face mask below his nose during a protest against the Gresham City Council's decision to raise the Black Lives Matter flag over City Hall in Gresham, Oregon.
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With mask and goggles a member of the 'Wall of Moms' marched to the Justice Center in downtown Portland. This was the 55th night of protests for racial justice and the third night that the 'Wall of Moms' were present as an organized group. According to their website The 'Wall of Moms' is Portland-based network of women and non-binary mother-identifying folx dedicated to supporting the current civil rights movement to end police brutality by defending and supporting BLM protesters on the front line and online.
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CASEY A. of Carson, WA, says, I have needed to wear a mask before the pandemic, for work and when doing certain crafts to protect my lungs from particles. I also use them when cleaning up anything moldy or mildewed, due to allergies. My parents made my mask. My mom came up with the design, and she and my dad put together a bunch of masks. I chose this one from the ones that were left after she had taken the others to her work. Physically its a little uncomfortable, since this one doesn't have a metal bit over the nose. That means I have to tie it tightly to make sure it sits against my face as best it can, so it smashes my nose. Mentally, I really don't mind. I have often wished I could wear face coverings without being targeted as suspicious, and it's fun to wear something colorful like that! Personally, again, it's not that big a deal. I enjoy the beautiful pattern and I like having my face covered. I feel good knowing that I'm protecting other people from a potentially lethal virus with unknown long-term consequences. My experience wearing a mask in public has been uneventful. Nobody has said anything weird to me or been rude. I wear a mask in public all the time.'
© Katharine Kimball/ZUMA
