You've been wearing masks in public for so long.

Maybe it feels strange to be in a public place without one, even if you're no longer required to.

So why wear a mask if you don't have to?

According to the experts, COVID-19 will be with us for a long time.

Even if you've been vaccinated, you can still wear a mask because of:

• Variants: current and future COVID-19 variants could be resistant to vaccines and still cause infections.

• Breakthrough infections: vaccines aren't always 100% effective — even people who've been vaccinated can get COVID-19 and give it to others.

• Asymptomatic infection: you can still pass on infections even if you don't have symptoms.

• Social responsibility: you'll help protectpeople who can't get vaccines for medical reasons.

Masks have been used by the medical community and the general public for a very long time.

• To reduce exposure to common illnesses like the flu and common cold. 🤒

• To head off other airborne illnesses that might sneak up on us (like COVID did). 👿

• To prevent unknowingly spreading these germs to others (like elders or children). 👶

You might wear a mask to:

• protect yourself from air pollution and smog.

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Photo by hidefumi ohmichi on Unsplash

• reduce the effects of allergies.

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• Mask-wearing at this point may be seen as "strange" by others. 👽

• You may experience teasing or even harassment from those opposed to mask-wearing in public. 🤣

• Some jurisdictions may have a ban on face coverings outside of pandemic reasons. 🚫

• You may be asked to explain your reasons for wearing a mask when you don't "have to". ❓

Be situationally aware and prepare to assert your right to protect yourself and others. 👀

Whether it's personal, medical, or environmental, there are good reasons to wear a mask.