Prapasiri Sribanchuen interviews two college students and PRHS senior about Covid masks
If masks were not mandatory, would you still wear one? If no, why?
Sean Shanahan, USM student and PRHS alumnus:
Probably not, to try and get back to some sense of normalcy because eventually, everything will go back to being more normal. So if I was told we no longer had to wear masks, to me that makes me feel like we are overcoming the infection
Lucas Yorkey, USM student, PRHS alumnus:
Yeah, if wearing a mask will help others, I would like to help.
Mackaylee Mason, PRHS student:
Yes, I would still wear it, I know some people are very worried about Covid-19 and I want them to feel safe. Not to mention I have family that would be high risk so I want them safe too.
Have you ever doubt the effectiveness of a mask If you why?
Sean Shanahan:
I don’t doubt the effectiveness of a mask for people who are infected. That’s the reason we started requiring them. If you’re sick you wear a mask so others don’t get sick. However, (I believe) wearing a mask while you’re not sick isn’t helpful because it can lead to other respiratory problems for certain people.
Lucas Yorkey:
I guess it’s hard to tell, I know I didn’t give anyone the Covid, so I guess it’s effective.
Mackaylee Mason:
Yes, I have some doubts. There are so many different kinds of masks with different qualities. A mask may be a safer option but I believe it’s still possible to easily get the virus even with one
Has the media ever changed your perspective on the disease?
Sean Shanahan:
Honestly, I’ve been avoiding the media because most of it is negativity and I don’t enjoy watching people argue back and forth all the time so I guess I would say no it hasn’t because it hasn’t really impacted me at all
Lucas Yorkey:
Some posts on social media make me more aware of things that happen right now.
Mackaylee Mason:
The media is very good at twisting things around, so I would say yes they have changed my perspective. But I do believe they blew this whole thing out of proportion, making too much drama about it.
Do you believe information from the CDC?
Sean Shanahan:
If I see it directly from the CDC then yes, but if it’s someone saying the CDC said this or that then I look it up to verify before just agreeing
Be honest, have you gone to a social gathering without wearing a mask?
Sean Shanahan:
Yes but I think there was only like 10 people max.
Lucas Yorkey:
I had a few social gatherings, with friends and family but not outside of the house.
Mackaylee Mason:
Yes, I have, before Covid was a big thing I went to something called Pax East, which is basically a gaming convention, and I saw people wearing masks and there I was without one. At the time I didn't know the risk. But now I try to wear my mask out in public.
How is the pandemic affecting your school life?
Mckaylee Mason:
Well, we definitely don't have as many classes as we usually do. It feels like the work overload has gone down significantly. It also stinks that we can't see our friends every day and be able to see everyone smile.
Do you think people at our school follow the rules?
Mckaylee Mason:
People have been doing great with the masks, social distancing not so much. I will admit I suck at social distancing, I'm an affectionate person and sometimes I forget.