Living in these times with COVID-19 still being a huge issue, one of the questions that arise is, “Should everyone wear masks?” The simple answer to this question is yes, everyone that can wear masks should wear masks.

Wearing a mask is just one of the many safety measures people should take to avoid spreading COVID. It is highly encouraged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, not because it protects yourself, although this is one function of mask-wearing, but because it protects everyone around you. The disease is mainly spread through respiratory droplets, which travel into the air when a person coughs, sneezes, talks, shouts, or sings and the mask acts as a barrier to prevent it from reaching others according to the CDC.

Of course, an issue arises for those who may have difficulty wearing them, such as those with respiratory conditions, for example. The best course of action for those with health conditions would be to stay home or avoid indoor public spaces and crowds. However, if it is essential for someone with such conditions to go out, it’s important that you speak with your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of wearing a mask, as well as taking extra care to maintain social distancing the CDC states.

Wearing a mask whenever you can is one of the many ways to help slow down the spread.

Gillian Pontanares is a student at Diablo Valley College participating in Journalism 110