Nicole Thurner

Why do I wear my mask?

When the pandemic started in March, I found that wearing a mask was awkward and uncomfortable, and I often forgot to have one or wear it. But after nine months, it has become a norm, something I do not even think about wearing regularly in public. Over that time, I have found that while some of my friends still disagree with the concept of wearing a mask, most of them believe that it is a small personal burden compared with the benefits to our community that come from mask-wearing. I myself am proud to protect our community and our small businesses.

I wear my mask out of respect for others in my community, and with the hope that others will do the same. When we contact others, we cannot know whether they are immunocompromised or whether they are caring for someone who is at-risk. By wearing a mask, I feel that I show respect for my neighbors by doing what I can to ensure that I do not transmit the virus unknowingly. I do not necessarily wear a mask because I am worried about getting sick myself; I wear it because I worry about infecting others who may be vulnerable.

As I look back on this difficult year, I am proud that our communities were able to balance social responsibility with traditional community engagement. A great example of this is that Zelienople was still able to hold weekly community events this past summer that allowed the community to continue patronizing local businesses. Everyone wore a mask, the community was able to socialize safely and Zelienople’s weekly events were successful. As we experience a spike in infection, and as we await widespread vaccination, I ask my friends in Butler County to continue to wear their masks, which will help our small businesses and fellow community members to survive and thrive.

Nicole L. Thurner is an attorney with Zunder and Associates, Butler.