Here we are in October, traditionally the month — in the past — in which we all wanted and couldn’t wait to wear a mask.
Yet, here we are still debating, questioning and disagreeing about masks in the COVID-19 era.
One of the most purchased items in the last eight months must have been the mask.
I had no idea there was so much to know about something so small.
Literally, a whole new industry of mask making has sprung up since COVID-19 reared its ugly head.
The federal government has signed contracts with three Canadian companies to make all sorts of medical supplies over the coming weeks including masks.
In a recent address, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested the demand will grow in the coming weeks so there must be a sustainable and stable source of supplies including masks. We might as well embrace it!
I am totally pro-mask. Everyone should be wearing them. To protect others.
There are masks to fit every budget and every taste.
There are the blue paper kind selling for about a buck a pop. I think those are supposed to be single use.
There are surgical masks called N-95’s. Those are the ones that seem to more closely adhere to one’s face with perhaps a bit more protection.
Some masks are very large, covering from above the nose to below the chin.
Some are smaller and just covering nose and mouth. (They must cover the nose or it's useless.)
Many seem to have special breathing apparatus sewn in.
Homemade masks have become a cottage industry.
People are using masks as the new fashion statement. There are materials to match our moods and personality traits.
Crafters are in their glory. Get out that trusty bedazzler and go to town.
Cartoon characters, celebrities, sports teams, and hobbies are all represented.
Also, there’s some see-through ones so a person can tell if you are smiling or scowling.
Then you have to decide if you want elastic that goes around your ears or the adjustable straps.
People are now adding lanyards so you can let the masks dangle from your neck. (Remember when your grandma had those little black cords tied to her glasses so she knew where they were?) I’m not clear if that’s especially hygienic, but it's handy. It's no doubt better than wadded up in a purse or pocket. Speaking of which, I see they now sell mask holders to keep them neat and dust-free.
Just in time for the holidays, masks that light up! In my completely informal poll, I was the only one that found that both a brilliant and festive idea. The only draw back as with all Christmas lights, half will likely burn out before the season is over. Shorting out could be real.
If that wasn’t show stopping enough, how about LED programmable messages for your mask? It uses Bluetooth technology so you can add your own messages or images for hours of endless fun. Perfect for the attention seeker in the group.
I saw an advertisement recently for a turtleneck sweater which you can pull up over your face and secure around the ears. It made quite the fashion statement.
Also on the market, knitted toques with matching mask for winter.
People are so smart and creative. Entrepreneurs have taken a necessity and found a way to turn it into a side business.
With Christmas fast approaching, I think we will all be spending quite a lot on COVID care packages.
Forget oranges, nuts and candy in your stocking as in bygone years. That’s being replaced with masks, Lysol wipes and hand sanitizer. Maybe some toilet paper for a bonus, if it's not sold out.
In these odd days, we may not have a lot of choice in some things, but at least you can make a personal statement for your face covering.
We need to do this for our family, our community, our country, and the world.
Make it fun. Make it colourful. Make it personal.
Masks are not just for Hallowe’en or holdups anymore.
