The controversy surrounding wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the Delta Variant has reached ridiculous proportions.

Anyone who reads this publication knows I support wearing masks, hand washing, socially distancing, avoiding large groups, and getting vaccinated. While I respect your right to have a different opinion, I do not believe you have the right to endanger the health of others by refusing to take precautions to prevent the spread of this virus.

I’ve read and listened to all the reasons people refuse to wear masks or refuse to let their children wear masks at school to prevent the spread of this potentially deadly virus. I’m curious to know when and where they believe wearing masks or requiring that masks are worn is appropriate.

To put “mask-wearing” into perspective, I’ve compiled a list of professions and hobbies that require the use of a mask either full time or in many instances. If you oppose wearing masks for the public good, how do you feel about wearing masks that are part of the protective gear needed for these professions or hobbies?

Astronauts

Beekeepers

Surgeons

Surgical Nurses

Anesthesiologists

Nurse Anesthetists

Paramedics

Pathologists

Most people who work in healthcare

Foodservice workers

Welders

Hockey Players (mandatory for college hockey and younger)

All Hockey Goalies

Lacrosse players

Umpires

The catcher on a baseball or softball team

Jason (sometimes you need to keep your sense of humor)

Crime scene investigators

Firemen

SWAT team members

Soldiers in various combat situations

Construction workers and carpenters (especially during demo or when using stains, varnishes, or sealants on woods)

Mold/Asbestos/Radon remediation workers

Many assembly-line factory workers

Painters

Restoration experts

Scuba divers

Manicurists

People with chronic health conditions