The Return of Mask Mandates – The Western Reader

As the specter of COVID-19 continues to loom, America is witnessing a resurgence in mask mandates. This development sparked a heated debate, with some health experts advocating for their return while others question their efficacy.

A significant concern driving this renewed call for masks is the improper use of face coverings. Many individuals wear masks incorrectly, failing to cover both their mouth and nose or only donning them for brief periods.

This behavior is especially risky in crowded locations like bars and restaurants, where the likelihood of infection is higher.

Prominent voices in the medical community, such as Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a cardiologist based in Washington DC, have urged high-risk individuals, including those over 65 years old, to start wearing masks again.

He even suggested that President Joe Biden, at 80 years old, should consider masking up when in crowds or on the campaign trail.

BREAKING: Alex Jones says a TSA whistleblower has told him TSA employees were instructed on Tue that masks are coming back by October for travelers & full Covid restrictions/lockdowns by December due to a new “dangerous variant” out of Canada. pic.twitter.com/sw4b2XYuoh

— Melissa Tate (@TheRightMelissa) August 19, 2023

However, not everyone agrees with this approach. Some experts argue most people now possess a level of immunity against the virus. They also say there’s no evidence suggesting that new variants are more likely to cause severe disease.

They point out that while patient numbers are increasing, these individuals are experiencing milder forms of the virus compared to earlier stages of the pandemic.

Adding fuel to the fire is the emergence of the new COVID variant BA.2.86, which has sparked fears of a fresh wave of infections.

This variant has over 30 mutations on its spike protein, potentially making it better at evading the immune system. Despite these concerns, there’s currently no evidence to suggest that this strain is more likely to cause severe disease or death.

Dear President Psychopath,

You signed a resolution into law that stated the COVID-19 pandemic is OVER!!!!

I will NOT vote to fund your COVID mental illness forcing masks and vaccines on anyone!

Especially NOT children!

Investigate the VAERS reports & stop serving Big Pharma. pic.twitter.com/O3k9Zz2Hnd

— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) August 22, 2023

In response to these developments, several institutions have reintroduced mask mandates.

Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Santa Rosa, California, along with Upstate Community Hospital in Syracuse, New York, mandated masks for doctors, nurses, patients, and visitors.

Even Hollywood studios and colleges are following suit, with Lionsgate and Rutgers University among those reinstating mask requirements.

While these measures may seem prudent to some, they’ve also raised questions about the effectiveness of masks. Several studies have pointed out COVID can still permeate through certain types of coverings, casting doubt on their ability to prevent transmission.

This article appeared in The Political Globe and has been published here with permission.