Seven months into the coronavirus pandemic means seven months of social distancing, excessive hand washing and mask wearing. However, despite all the evidence proving masks to be an effective way to prevent the spread of the disease, many argue against the laws which enforce them. 

According to USA Today, the latest research led by Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, estimates that “in states where masks are required, 230,000 to 450,000 infections might have been averted.”  Upon hearing this figure, the necessity of face masks should become quite clear. 

As of now, in the state of Michigan, masks are required to be worn when in an indoor public space or crowded outdoor space. And sadly, yet unsurprisingly, some people have turned the common decency into a political issue. It has become a huge point of contention and some have even gone so far as to protest against masks, claiming it to be a “violation of freedom.” Hundreds of protesters have surrounded the Michigan State Capitol building to protest Gov. Whitmer’s stay-at-home order — most without wearing a mask. 

Wearing a face mask in public is a small step to take in preventing the spread of COVID-19, yet when asked to put one on, some people have been angered to the point of blind rage. In Florida, a shopper was recorded shoving a Walmart employee, and a woman in Texas threw groceries out of her cart, simply because they were asked to wear a mask. Some refuse to wear it because they find it “annoying,” while others believe it to have no effect and choose to ignore the growing evidence proving that masks make a difference in combating coronavirus. Either way, going out in public without a mask on is extremely inconsiderate, dangerous and morally wrong. 

 It shouldn’t matter whether or not you find masks “uncomfortable” or “hard to breathe in,” it should be mandatory to wear one because it matters to the health and safety of other people