Global voices on covering up
The wearing of face masks is causing a cacophony of human argument around the world. Here, a selection of voices from the global debate:
“In the beginning, there was a fear of coronavirus and people were scared and they used to maintain a distance from others. Now people have started taking it easy. They don’t wear masks and they say death has to come one day, and when it comes, they will go to God, but they will not live any longer like this.” — Wasim Abbas, a Pakistan villager.
“Young men and women might not be affected much by the virus. But they should think about their parents and older people, the people who are always part of their lives.” — Rawad Sarhan, a mask-wearer in Beirut, Lebanon.
“Basically, I don’t think you have to tell someone to wear a protective mask, with the pandemic and the whole thing going on right now … It is, you know, very important to wear a mask.” — Funmilayo Nwosu, a shopper in Lagos, Nigeria.
“You want to treat people like you’d want them to treat you. So you’ve got to wear one.” — Moscow resident Vladimir Ignatyev.
“People often don’t wear their mask properly — it’s the wrong way round or they wear it like this (pulls mask under his chin). That’s great but the mask isn’t for your chin. People need to be more mindful but it’s coming progressively and it’s a positive thing.” — Eytan Azria, an engineer in Paris.
“For me to wear a mask is to deprive myself of oxygen.” — Kemokoenawamathole Mathole, a mask opponent in Johannesburg, South Africa.
“It’s a sacrifice we have to make for the good of the community. Of course we have our personal freedom to do what we want, but we live within a society and, in this case, you have to think about society, not only yourself.” — Marcela De La Cerda, a Brazilian student.
“My own grandmother died from the new coronavirus, and some members of my family also caught it but they survived. I try to wear a face mask so that at least I won’t catch it and also to avoid causing trouble for others.” — Reyhane Rajaei, a tattoo artist in Tehran.