The transatlantic mask divide

Should we wear our masks? The question has been on my mind as I have been battered that way and this by a variety of people with stronger feelings than mine on the matter. The week before last, while I was walking down Oxford Street, police outriders began to emerge. Like most of the public I stopped with interest and some excitement, wondering who the traffic might be halting for. Sadly it turned out to be neither the Queen nor Matt Hancock. Instead the traffic was being stopped for several thousand anti-lockdown protestors. Those of us who had hoped to catch a glimpse of, or even a wave from, the Health Secretary found ourselves instead being shouted at.

‘Take off your masks’ the marchers declaimed from the road’s centre at those of us on the pavement. Some accompanied their chant with a great upwards wave of the arms, further imploring us to cast off our facial servitude. Since we were outside I was in any case, like most Londoners, not wearing a mask. Still we had the thrill of chastisement. Each generation of our forebears could have witnessed a sight similar in our capital: a band of the elect imploring the wider public to save themselves and achieve a type of salvation.

I mention my habit of not wearing a mask outdoors with some trepidation. Doubtless it will draw complaints. But while trying not to be ostentatious in my habits, my main reason is that it makes no sense. For it to be fully effective, mask-wearing relies not just on everybody wearing their masks all the time, but for all of us to avoid touching our faces throughout the day as well. I just stroked my brow at that thought. The chances that we might rely on everybody in society avoiding making such a move until a vaccine arrives seem slim to me.