Just over two years ago, we experienced a nationwide lockdown in response to COVID-19. After months of quarantine with no school, sports, and barely any social interaction, we are making a comeback with health. The mask mandate that has been made optional for our school makes it look like life is really back to normal. A year ago we followed a hybrid schedule. Now we attend school five days a week with no mandated masks or social distancing.
I recently interviewed Mr. Myette, an English teacher at North Andover High School, about his view on the optional mask policy. Mr. Myette chooses to continue wearing his mask. He knows some students feel anxious with masks not being on, especially right after break with some people having traveled. If he can make their learning experience better by wearing his own, he chooses to do so. Although people have differing opinions about mask wearing, it is not hard to wear a mask if it makes someone else more comfortable. Mr. Myette commented that he would be “taking it off eventually, maybe next week, maybe not, doesn't bother me.”
The main message is that it is a hopeful sign that we don't need to wear masks right now. However, if some people are still afraid of this virus and still choose to wear a mask, it is an act of kindness to accommodate someone who is more conscientious. After all, we are battling Coronavirus, not each other.