Protecting others to prevent the spread of the coronavirus must not be political

An echo opinion letter published in the Pioneer Press, a St. Paul, Minnesota newspaper. 

In these unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks have been turned into fuel for political fire. Although the CDC currently recommends wearing face masks in public, the decision to wear a mask is often determined by an individual’s political alignment.

However, the decision to wear a face mask should be made upon our moral obligation to protect vulnerable members of our communities, regardless of political leanings. 

A person’s political ideologies do not negate their responsibility to protect those around them.

It is argued that requiring a face mask in public spaces infringes upon personal freedoms.

While people reserve the right to make choices that affect themselves, they do not have the right to make a choice that needlessly endangers others. Refusal to wear face masks allows greater transmission of viruses, jeopardizing the health of fellow citizens and Minnesotans.

Promoting public health should not be political. Please! Wear a mask, if you are able, in order to promote the health of our communities.  From Kendall Emfield, Tonka Bay, Minnesota