The ethics of mask-wearing

To the Community,

At age 75 I do feel more vulnerable than I did twenty years ago. Therefore, when I go out for a walk or to the Co-op I feel reassured that many now wear masks.  The mask protects others and is a sign of caring and respect for all in our community. It is an ethical statement. It is heartening that the Co-op now requires everyone to wear a mask in the store.  

There are a number of situations however that I would like Swarthmoreans to consider:

• If you are jogging, please avoid running along the path that goes from the south end of north Princeton Ave. to the SEPTA station. Joggers do not wear masks, and this is a narrow path.

• Likewise, avoid running in the tunnel under the tracks that joins north and south Princeton Ave.

• The above cautions apply to those on bicycles, since few cyclists seem to wear masks.

• Trump’s absurd rhetoric about liberating states from policies encouraging business closures, social distancing, and sheltering in place ought to be refuted as potentially harmful to public health — especially when thousands, with Trump’s urging, are engaging in mass protests at state capitals without regard to social distancing.

• Know that older residents would be very grateful if everyone wore a mask when in close proximity to others. For many of us, it’s a life or death issue.

Allan Irving
Swarthmore