b : localnewsmatters – excerpt
You know that saying, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Few might agree right now, given the Bay Area, the United States and the whole world have been impacted over the last six months by the coronavirus pandemic.
Masks of varying materials, designs and cleanliness are everywhere; the tan lines this summer are going to be insane. Millions of Americans are fed up with stifling their breathing with N95s and avoiding their loved ones — to the point that angry, maskless citizens have shown up at state capitols with guns to demand the freedom to show their chins to the world, and also get a haircut. This is an unprecedented, spontaneous disease out of nowhere! Or is it?…
This is about so much more than a sweaty bandana or tye-dyed cotton covering.
Now, as back then, political agendas have been foisted onto a symbol of public health that is simply there to prevent the transmission of airborne germs.
In San Francisco, however, we seem to have gotten the message; our mayor has remained steadfast in keeping masks on and gatherings closed, and has yet to be seen at a boxing match barefaced like Mayor Rolph was. We have had far fewer deaths and cases overall, and have blessedly avoided any spikes like most of the country is experiencing now.
At the time of publishing this article, the city has reported 53 COVID19-related deaths and more than 5,300 cases. Sometimes (like now) a mask is just a mask, and you should wear one…(more)