The Teen View Forum

Alex Butler- Masks are essential to our public safety. If we all wore masks and stayed away from each other, respecting the ordinances and public safety measures, our country would not still be as infected with Covid-19. I believe it is fully in the government’s power and justification to enforce a nationwide mask/social distancing mandate. The government can enforce laws based on public safety and health, and an ordinance requiring mask use in public across the nation would solve many problems. The groups of people who refuse to wear masks or social distance in public are selfish and not thinking of the community of people they might be putting at risk of infection. If you refuse to wear a mask because it’s uncomfortable or “infringing your rights” you’re being selfish and part of the problem. Seatbelts, building codes, and other government safety regulations are all laws and policies mandated by the government that protect the public. Nationwide mask and social distancing policies are just another government policy that I believe should be put into place, at least until our case numbers (when reported in full, complete, non withheld form) are drastically decreased. Mask mandates are a much needed measure to protect the public from this virus. Without enforced practices to protect public health, our country might never heal and recover.

Jackson Quarles- Through these times I have realized one thing. Covid-19 is very real and should be taken seriously at all times. Here in Alabama, the mandatory mask order has been in place for about 2 months. I feel as if these measurements are reasonable and should be in place for the safety of everyone. The mask order, in my opinion, is in the best interest of everyone because we know for a fact they help prevent the spread of Covid-19. This is not a threat to constitutional rights because you can still speak your mind even if a piece of fabric is covering half of  your face. The mandatory mask order is a way of reminding our society that masks are not political, but in fact, have been proven to save lives. If you choose to not wear a mask you are simply showing your blatant disregard for the health and safety of everyone around you. Yes, the mask is uncomfortable. They are uncomfortable for everyone. President Trump requiring all Americans to wear masks would be extremely effective in the fight against Covid-19. However, if we have no one on the ground enforcing the mandate, there will be no change. I know that to beat this pandemic we will have to come together as a country to defeat Covid-19. To achieve this we must all comply with the guidelines given to us by the CDC, and not only look out for ourselves, but for everyone. This being said, I believe the mandatory mask ordinances are a step in the right direction.

Abby Percy- I don’t see how they are in infringement on any constitutional rights. You can still speak your mind even if a piece of fabric is covering your mouth. I think those people that choose not to wear a mask, complain about wearing a mask, or only wear the mask covering their mouth are being extremely disrespectful and immature. In times like these we need to grow up and think of others because you are completely unaware of who is at a higher risk. they are most definitely in the best interest of public safety because it is scientifically proven to stop the spread of the virus. I think Trump should have ordered a mask mandate a long time ago and that he is setting a poor example for our country.

Shreya Sunil- During these unfortunate times, masks are pivotal to combat the current pandemic. State governors have made the right decision in mandating the use of masks in public spaces. If you think that wearing masks is taking away your freedom, you are highly mistaken; the mask's prime purpose is to keep you safe from others and keep others safe from you. There is so much that is unknown about Covid-19, how it came here, how it created such a big pandemic, how to save people from it, so it is dangerous. To keep yourselves and your loved ones safe who do not have a good immune system, you will need to follow these measures. Those who are not following these orders are making the pandemic worse, increasing the infection count, and instilling a new fear into the citizens of the United States. President Trump should think about the safety of his people and issue a country-wide mandate to help stop the further spread of the coronavirus. Overall we should wear our masks to help make 2020 a better year. 

Khushi Patel- It is essential to promote a mandatory mask mandate, as this is not only a national, but a global emergency that all people need to take seriously. The government has all rights to enforce a public safety procedure in these unpredictable and frightening times. All people should be wearing masks and social distancing, as doing the opposite will do nothing but harm public safety and health. During these times, it’s important to be mindful of others; unfortunately, many people see this as their rights being “taken away”, which does nothing but make them appear selfish and stubborn. President Trump needs to push for a nationwide mandatory mask policy, which is especially important now considering the drastic increase in cases in the past few months. Although many states are pushing for mandatory mask policies, many of the people are not complying to them. It is time for Americans to think more collectively than individually. 

Sneha Subramani- In these unprecedented times, citizens of America will have to do things they are not used to and that includes wearing masks. Masks not only have been proven to help slow the spread of COVID-19, but can also help reinstate a nation back to its pre-COVID-19 ways. The legislatures passed to mandate masks all over the United States is purely for the health and safety of its citizens. Those who do believe that masks mandates are an infringement of their constitutional rights, clearly have never worn their seatbelts, followed traffic lights, or were given a social security number the minute they were born. The government controls your day to day life, but some people only choose to criticize and act on this when asked to wear a mask for the safety of their fellow citizens. Donald Trump’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic proves his incompetence and inability to lead. Not only did he fail to take measures early on to prevent mass hysteria and deaths due to COVID-19 but, he will not issue a simple mask mandate across the nation, which, again, has proven to help slow the spread of COVID-19 by looking at countries like New Zealand, who recently celebrated 100 days free of COVID-19. This was achieved with not only a mask mandate, but also competent and efficient leadership, neither which America has.