I'd like to point out to anyone who thinks that "you do you" public health is sustainable that it's illegal to wear a mask in many public places in the US. This has only been on hold because of the emergency declaration and that's about to end.
For example, let me introduce you to my local law in Florida. Florida State statute 876.12:
Wearing mask, hood, or other device on public way.—No person or persons over 16 years of age shall, while wearing any mask, hood, or device whereby any portion of the face is so hidden, concealed, or covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer, enter upon, or be or appear upon any lane, walk, alley, street, road, highway, or other public way in this state.
This law was pointed out to my wife by a law enforcement officer who really wanted to arrest her for wearing a mask in a grocery store last year.
If you think you're going to be able to avoid COVID after the end of the emergency declaration you'd better be a full on hermit who never has to venture out.
@BE I think almost all jurisdictions have a similar law, and the obligatory religious exemptions.
It's a good lesson on why we need honorable and ethical ppl in positions of power...laws can be twisted to dangerous ends.
I only dug into it much at the state level, personally. I believe there's 11 states that have state-wide laws on it. A quick search earlier today showed multiple local jurisdictions, as well.
Yes, many of them were once upon a time well meaning laws, but if they were being enforced against people trying to avoid chemical sensitivities and allergies before the pandemic just imagine how red states, in particular, will enforce them now.
@BE agreed. This is why many people are opposed to creating federal 'domestic terrorism' statutes.
They will be used against 'the others' unfairly.
Tools/laws can be used for good and ill