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@luckytran@med-mastodon.comPlease stop saying we should wear masks "when appropriate."
COVID surges throughout the year, and other viruses, pollution, wildfire smoke etc. are also significant health issues.
It is ALWAYS appropriate to wear a mask.
@feld @luckytran
If someone wants to protect their health everywhere, all the time, forever, they should have the freedom to do so.
Providing good, evidence based advice to the public also doesn't mean a legal requirement to follow the best advice 100% of the time or else.
Public health advice has gotten more concerned about political popularity than it is about the actual quality of the advice bring given. It's like if smoking advice changed to "consider not smoking when appropriate"
@feld You don't have to wear a seatbelt every time you drive, only when you feel like it, or when you plan on getting into a life-threatening crash
@feld @luckytran I happily will.
@luckytran Wearing a mask is always easier than wearing a burial shroud! Believe me. 
@luckytran around people not in your household
@luckytran let's just flip it, then:
"Only remove your mask when appropriate."
Like during a dental exam.
@luckytran @bmacDonald94 Even when I’m at home by myself?
@luckytran pollen allergies too
@luckytran The last time I was in line at a pharmacy, I didn't wear a mask. I didn't get Covid, but I did get one vicious cold that got me some infections. So, it isn't just about Covid, there's plenty of times an N95 will keep you well.
@luckytran i think it's not appropriate to wear a mask when you are eating or in the shower. I'm not an expert but I'm pretty sure I'm right.
@luckytran You shouldn't make statements like that with no qualifiers. When I am home with family? When I am hiking up a mountain and no one is within 300 meters of me (and there isn't an active wildfire nearby)? When someone is on a date? You need to advocate for something that is actually achievable, and that reduces harm, like masking in crowded areas (which I do). Telling people that they must mask always will just get people to reject your message, because a lot of people would rather die than not be able to see human faces anymore.
@luckytran I was impressed when I visited #Japan in the 90’s for a work trip, and saw lots of people #masking. Not just outside, but also in the office environments.
I assumed it was because the people of Japan were more germ-aware and considerate. They probably still are.
Or, to put it bluntly, they aren’t assholes. That one is on us.