Maskless events endanger countless lives
During the holiday season, multiple maskless events took place locally. These events sparked much controversy amongst locals in regards to whether or not it was ethical to not wear masks. The smart choice would obviously be to wear masks, but others feel the need to not follow health guidelines.
On Dec. 13 and Dec. 23, actor Kirk Cameron organized a gathering at the Thousand Oaks Mall. To celebrate the holiday season, hundreds gathered to engage in Christmas caroling while not wearing mandated masks.
This type of attitude to California’s directives is unacceptable as these guidelines are put forward to protect citizens’ health. Wearing a mask is the first and final step you need to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, and not being cooperative with these regulations is only hurting you and the people around you. Yes, Christmas is a time when people come together and celebrate with their families, but 2020 was different. Despite the struggles of not seeing family and friends, people need to put these feelings aside and think about the greater good for everyone.
Not only so, specific protocols, such as the closure of outdoor dining was also put in place, in order to slow down the spread of COVID-19. However, at the Cronies Bar & Grill in Agoura Hills, students and families gathered to protest the outdoor dining ban on Dec. 7, 2020. These people showed up to the grill, without wearing masks. The only reason the ban was reinstated was to combat the new uptrend of cases and Ventura County’s reentry into the purple tier. Rejection of this law only leads to more infection and the only way for COVID-19 to eventually go away is to stop the spread. People trying to reject these laws right now will only hurt themselves in the future when they cannot enjoy the pleasures of life they used to have pre-COVID.
Obviously, the smart thing to do is stay home or wear a mask, but it does not seem to be as simple for those who are unconcerned with the consequences of the pandemic. This time period is one that affects everyone, not just one person. If other countries are able to be completely free of COVID-19, then so can America. All we need to do is stay home, and wear a mask.
