To the Editor:
For me, the most frustrating part of COVID-19 is The Mask and absence of smiles. Thank goodness we don’t mask our eyes for they can express a smile, although eyes aren’t expressing much these days — except their blank stare that says “please don’t get too close.”
It’s sad that government officials have chosen the science of masking as a prophylaxis contravening many respected medical officials who advise such science is unproven and ineffective. Studies show a non-N-95 mask offers little protection; even surgical masks, the next best alternative to N-95, have been shown to offer only 67% efficacy (New York Times, June 2).
I’m protesting only in writing for I wear my mask where required in deference to others who may disagree with my opinion but the whole science is confused and rarely followed correctly. How many wearers replace their mask after one use as recommended?
Mother Nature and human nature often work in opposition to one another and, paraphrasing from an old TV commercial, you can’t fool Mother Nature. Until we begin a vaccination program there is little one can do short of literally becoming a hermit. Those of us over 70 aren’t likely to insulate ourselves from the world so expecting teens and 20-somethings to do so is absurd.
A virus with a published 97%-plus recovery rate, equal roughly to pneumonia cases, hardly poses the dire outlook that Governor Cooper and presumed President-elect Biden are attempting to communicate. Blame it on political science, not medical science. Our governor has grossly overstepped his bounds and citizens are beginning to strike back. If law enforcement statewide would refuse to enforce all the ridiculous directives placed upon businesses and individuals by the governor citizens could take back their constitutional rights and liberties.
Philip H. Johnson
Siler City