Quarantine Fatigue
Maskers vs. Anti-maskers
None of us expected what 2020 had up its sleeve. So, you are tired of being stuck inside, logging into Zoom meetings, and wearing sweatpants. You want to go out to the beach, mask-off, take in some sun, drink something cold and relax. Maybe you already have. What wouldn’t you do to have a pre-COVID life, right? I am here to wake you up from your Infinite Tsukuyomi.
America needs to wake up from this dangerous daydream. Hope will not make a virus play fair or vanish. Cases are on the rise in many states. Some municipalities are considering implementing another quarantine to stop the spread. Additional lockdowns are necessary because of quarantine fatigue.
Quarantine fatigue exists in many shapes and forms. In some cases, quarantine fatigue inspired rebellious, and at times, self-destructive behavior by the general public. Many Americans refused to wear masks in public places. By now, most people have seen videos of men and women online wreaking havoc in department stores and grocery stores exercising their right to remain Anti-maskers.
“Many protesters across the states have been pictured defying social distancing guidance without masks or face coverings. Online, the debate about mask effectiveness still plays out, with some claiming masks are not effective — or enforceable under US law.
This is in marked contrast to other countries where populations have generally been compliant in wearing face coverings” (Prasad, 2020).
As a collective, Americans failed to demonstrate a willingness to manage the epidemic using a science-based approach. Other countries fought the beast and won.
Due to non-compliance with mask ordinances and CDC recommendations, many States, which started to reopen, have now paused or reversed reopening plans. America’s patchwork approach to managing COVID-19 created dysfunction between municipalities, States, and the federal government. Let’s face it. In the absence of a national strategy, local governments failed to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Maskers vs Anti-maskers
At this point, we have to call a thing a thing. Ultimately, this is a fight between Maskers and Anti-Maskers. While Maskers wear masks to protect themselves and others from contracting the virus, Anti-Maskers insist it is an infringement on their freedoms.
Treating science as an elective, instead of a main course, Anti-Maskers decided they do not believe the scientific research. While recognizing this is disappointing, understand it is not entirely their fault. As a political hot potato, COVID-19 inspired a multitude of conspiracy theories. Vast amounts of good and bad-faith debates railed online as the virus destroyed lives and livelihoods. Some people do not listen to facts or respect raw data. These people think that the emergency is being overhyped and that it could be a bioengineered attack. A plethora of information is accessible to most people. Yet, they do not like to research for themselves. Instead, they rely on YouTube videos that often enticingly present unsupported facts.
“More recently, however, scientists have been struck by Trump’s embrace of fringe beliefs and extreme, unsupported theories. Suddenly, it is not the profit-driven lobbyists and lawyers that are the worry, it is the quacks, cranks and conspiracy theorists” (Milman, 2020).
Trump peddled some interesting COVID-19 theories. Initially, he downplayed the existence of the virus in the United States. Then, Trump created a task force but did not follow their advice. At one point, he suggested that scientists should determine whether or not disinfectant could be used as a treatment inside the body. I know, it sounds outlandish. Many conspiracy theorists online will tell you that his words are not being quoted accurately. His words were clear as glass.
“William Bryan, acting head of the US Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate, outlined the findings at the news conference.
While noting the research should be treated with caution, Mr Trump suggested further research in that area.
‘So, supposing we hit the body with a tremendous — whether it’s ultraviolet or just very powerful light,” the president said, turning to Dr Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response co-ordinator, “and I think you said that hasn’t been checked but you’re going to test it.
‘And then I said, supposing you brought the light inside of the body, which you can do either through the skin or in some other way. And I think you said you’re going to test that too. Sounds interesting,’ the president continued’
And then I see the disinfectant where it knocks it out in a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning?
“So it’d be interesting to check that.”
Pointing to his head, Mr Trump went on: “I’m not a doctor. But I’m, like, a person that has a good you-know-what” (Coronavirus, BBC, 2020).
Trump administration officials insisted his words were taken out of context. Nonetheless, it demonstrated chaos within the chain of command. The federal government failed to implement a comprehensive, enforceable policy or provide States with additional PPE. Instead of telling the American people useful information about COVID-19, conspiracy theories were born. Until July 12, 2020, Donald Trump refused to wear a mask and often discussed wearing them as a choice.
Scientists from around the world felt amazed at America’s response to Coronavirus for all the wrong reasons.
“They have exceeded my imagination with their scientific denial,” said Gretchen Goldman, a research director at Union of Concerned Scientists. “Previous administrations at least gave the appearance of wanting scientific evidence and qualified people in positions of power. This administration clearly doesn’t care, which changes the game” (Milman, 2020).
Listen up. Career scientists are raising the alarm about the mismanagement of this pandemic. If Americans do not pay attention, the deaths will continue to pile up. Consider whether you’ve lost someone yet. What would you be willing to do to prevent that? That is exactly what you should do.
Some people want to go back to business as usual. And I understand. We can all think of valid reasons for us to put on real pants and venture outdoors. Mental health benefits from a variety of experiences and settings. Isolation affects individuals differently. Psychologists currently provide some free services to assist with mental health problems. Parents and teachers need children back in school. Whether or not schools feel safe for parents, students, and teachers created a national debate, yet to be settled.
Don’t let reasonable arguments for reopening lead you down the Anti-masker path. The difference between wanting to reopen and reopen safely appears minute. For many Americans, the difference will be life or death.
“Don’t want to wear a mask because it is an infringement of your rights? You are also infringing on my right to public areas free from COVID-19 transmission” (Board, 2020).
Consider the real problems Americans face during 2020. A worldwide pandemic that changed the way we interact and survive, a reckoning of America’s love affair with systematic racism, and a presidential election will define this year. How we rise to each challenge will help create the America of tomorrow.
References:
Board, E. (2020, July 22). Today’s letters: Anti-maskers, the rest of us have rights too. Retrieved July 23, 2020, from https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/todays-letters-anti-maskers-the-rest-of-us-have-rights-too
Coronavirus: Outcry after Trump suggests injecting disinfectant as treatment. (2020, April 24). Retrieved July 23, 2020, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-52407177
Milman, O. (2020, June 03). Scientists alarmed as Trump embraces fringe views and extreme theories amid pandemic. Retrieved July 23, 2020, from https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/03/trump-coronavirus-conspiracy-theories-pandemic
Prasad, R. (2020, May 05). Coronavirus: Why is there a US backlash to masks? Retrieved July 23, 2020, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-52540015
