Dear Lisi: I know everyone thinks COVID-19 is over, but it just isn’t. The more people I speak to, the more I hear that people are getting it, maybe even for the second or third time. And it’s contagious. I’m not health-compromised in any way, but I really don’t want to get sick.
I had COVID-19 at the beginning of last year, and I was in bed for almost five days straight, very weak for another week and only working at half-mast for the third week. It really took me a month to fully recover.
I wear a mask when I go into small places with strangers or large places with lots of people. I’m usually the only one. I don’t care. If it helps, it helps.
This morning I went to a coffee shop I’ve only been to once before. It’s on the other side of town, but I had an appointment nearby. I walked in wearing a mask, ordered my coffee, then lifted my mask to taste it before I left.
As soon as I did, a woman nearby muttered under her breath, but loud enough for me to hear, that I was a “poser,” and then went on to explain, not sure to whom, that meant I was just wearing my mask because I was high and mighty.
I pretended not to hear, put my mask back on and left. What was that all about?
Cautious not posing
From the beginning of the pandemic nearly three years ago, there have been people who don’t believe it’s real. People who believe it’s all a government-funded ruse. Conspiracy theorists.
And even some who do believe that COVID-19 is a real health issue, don’t believe in being vaccinated and disagree with the rules around the vaccinations. Anti-vaxxers.
And then there are some who believe it’s real, get their vaccines but don’t believe in wearing masks. Anti-maskers.
You do you and don’t let anyone else tell you that what you are doing is wrong. It’s not wrong. It’s what makes you feel safe and protected. Ignore the agitators. Hold your head high, mask on, and get on with your life.
Ellie Tesher and Lisi Tesher are advice columnists based in Toronto. Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
