Masks are more than just a fashion statement. Over the past five months, Islanders have abided by chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison's guidelines to flatten the curve of COVID-19, but for some reason, most do not want to wear a mask. The most common excuse is it is hard to breathe. It may be uncomfortable at first and takes some time to get used to, but for most, it is not that difficult. Others believe that their rights have taken away from them. By wearing a mask, you are helping the most vulnerable around you. Are your rights more important than the lives of others?
Do Islanders feel that we are safe from the virus because we have only had 36 cases? Did they forget that COVID-19 has killed nearly 9,000 people in Canada alone and nearly 730,000 worldwide? We are not immune. As a province, we are lucky to be in the position we are and enjoy our summer with little interruption. I would like to see my children return to school in the fall and enjoy my first year at university without the fear of having it all shut down. I want to know that my family and friends will be safe. If we do our part by washing or sanitizing our hands often, keeping six feet distance, and wearing a mask, we can hopefully stay on this path and continue to live our lives without most of the restrictions we once had.
Wendy Rehberg,
Bachelor of science in nursing student, UPEI
Belfast, P.E.I.