Mandatory Masks Are A Bad Idea

Some Quebec doctors are calling for mandatory masks.

I reject this idea on two grounds: The data simply doesn't justify making it mandatory and I don't want to live my life cowering to a non-lethal virus.

Arruda and Legault must resist this temptation.

The doctors are once again banging on a 'precautionary principle' drum warning a second wave is coming. But this is not a certainty. Why condition people into a habit based once again on data that doesn't support the claim?

Why do we ham fist a required behaviour on baseless claims?

"...Nima Machouf said covering your face is an inexpensive measure that has been proven to effectively reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 

“Pending the development of a vaccine, masks are now recognized as an essential tool to restore some normalcy in our lives and reconnect with the people and activities we love,” Machouf said. “Researchers in epidemic modeling say that for the measure to be effective, 80 per cent of the population must wear a mask.” 

If I were Machouf, I wouldn't be using the words 'effective' and 'essential' when it comes to masks. The literature on that is far from conclusive so I'm going to call out the bull shit here. The literature simply doesn't conclude either way regarding effectiveness. In Norway, for example, distancing is recommended before wearing a mask. 

The idea we will stop pandemics are both dangerous and insipid. Worse, doing it by scaring people with the 'pending vaccine' angle is beyond the pale in my view. 

Furthermore, is Machouf suggesting that without a mandatory mask we can't be with loved ones? If he is, well, let's just say I won't comply and let him use a health issue to dictate how I live my life. Nor should anyone. 

Quick word on Khadir who made an appearance in the article. He's a Quebec Solidaire socialist so it's only fitting he supports anything that's mandatory. Mandatory and coercion are natural fits for the left. But let's be frank here. He's probably the sort of public health official who would on one end chastise business owners who protest lockdowns but be in full support partaking in BLM protests. So let's keep in mind who may be part of this push.

Sometimes you just have to say, 'Thanks doc, but no thanks.'

People are likely to engage in risky behavior when, for example, they should be self isolating. 

It demands and forces a new cultural norm is, as far as the inconclusive data shows, useless. For example, the only mask shown to be effective is the N-95 and KF-94. Anything beyond this is hit or miss. So why do it? Not to mention a box of those surgical masks are extremely expensive so how will people be able to pay for it on an on-going basis? How can it possibly be enforced? Is this a hill they want to die on? Why do we always take the worst ideas from other places? No where has it been mandated outside a couple of spots in the world. 

I reject the idea of spending the rest of my life never seeing the face of people I interact with.

What kind of a sad existence do we want? I watch footage from Asia with people talking to each other in masks as if nothing. Maybe it's part of their culture and how they roll, but it strikes me as a joyous life always cowering in fear.

We shouldn't even bother opening this Pandora's Box. We've already done enough damage as it is.

The best play here for the government is to encourage protocols and leave it at that. Let us do the rest. We are, after all, a free society.

Civil liberties shouldn't be suspended for the collective so easily.

Once you pick at it, it becomes easier and easier to do it until you're stripped of all liberties and personal agency.