‘The infection rates will decrease.’ This is why a mask mandate is needed in Manatee | Opinion

The Board of County Commissioners voted 4-3 this week to have our county attorney draft a resolution and ordinance to mandate masks inside businesses. Why both? A resolution can be approved faster than an ordinance, but an ordinance is more legally defensible. So by drafting both, we can enact the rule as soon as possible with a resolution, until the ordinance is approved.

I realize that some people are not pleased with this decision, so I wanted to take this opportunity to explain my opinions on the five main issues I’ve heard:

• “Republicans hate government mandates, and you are a Republican.” True. I am a Republican, however, I am not a parrot of the party line. I am an independent thinker who was elected to represent Manatee County, District 4. A good percentage of my district is over the age of 65, making them especially vulnerable to this virus. An overwhelming percentage of my constituents who I have heard from want a mask mandate, and it is my job to represent them. We need to remember that government mandates are an important function of government. They are used to protect the public and are why we have clean water, safe food, fair business practices and don’t condone discrimination. Approving another mandate is not something I take lightly, but requiring people inside buildings to temporarily wear a mask during a world-wide pandemic and state of emergency rose to the occasion for me.
• “Masks don’t work.” I have heard a number of specific complaints about masks. They don’t allow you to get enough oxygen, they’re hot, and they’re not effective. Look, I don’t like wearing a mask either, but I’m willing to do it to help people stay safe and help our businesses stay open. There is absolutely no evidence that suggests wearing a mask will reduce oxygen levels. Hospital workers wear them all day long. Of course, people with preexisting lung disease or other medical conditions should consult with their doctor on whether or not they can safely wear a mask but for most people, doctors have confirmed there is no risk and they are effective at preventing the spread of the virus.
• “Masks are an infringement on my civil liberties.” I am greatly disappointed that wearing a mask has become a political issue. We all breathe the same air, and I am disappointed that some feel their right to not wear a mask is more important than the rights of a person who can be infected by them not wearing a mask. As someone said to me, “My rights begin where your rights end.” I ask people to remember that this is a crisis, and we are in the middle of an emergency. Masks are a temporary safety inconvenience. I can imagine our founding fathers and authors of our Constitution would be proud of our temporary sacrifice to protect our fellow Americans.
• “Our businesses are suffering and don’t need another challenge.” Many business owners have asked me why we don’t have a uniform standard for everyone. They are tired facing hostility from a very loud minority of those who won’t wear a mask because it is not required by law. Their employees are taking the heat and in some cases, risking their health. The prognosis for our small business owners, particularly restaurants and bars is dire. One of the ways we can get more people in the door to support our local businesses is to show the public that we will meet their safety expectations, and in our world today, that includes wearing masks.
• “The scientists are constantly changing their opinion.” Look, science is messy. It is constantly evolving. Scientists are only beginning to understand the novel coronavirus. Other viruses like the flu, HIV, and herpes have been medically studied for years before fully understanding the symptoms and the best response. Scientists embrace changing conclusions as new data produces new findings, and so should we.

Masks are not the silver bullet, but if everyone is wearing one in public, the infection rates will decrease. It is the way to diminish infections during this first wave of the virus and waves to come, before we can develop a vaccine and distribute it world-wide. We still need to socially distance, wash our hands, sanitize surfaces, and avoid crowds, when possible.

But masks are proven to be an important and simple way of helping our community to stay safe.

Misty Servia, a certified land planner, represents south Manatee on the Manatee County Board of Commissioners.