With the number of confirmed cases continuing to rise in Warren County, I am not sure it is time to resume life as it was before the COVID-19 pandemic.

In fact, even if local, state and or federal governments give the OK to get back to “business as usual,” I think some measures — like continuing to wear a mask or face covering — should remain until there is a vaccine.

While the experts say masks do not keep you from getting the virus, they are helping in preventing the spread of the virus; and I am all about not being a weapon to someone with a comprised immune system or those who are enjoying their golden years.

Masks and face coverings can be a hassle, I admit.

They fog up your glasses and make it difficult to understand what someone is saying. Masks also rumple up your hair, and some leave indentions on your face.

But even with all these woes, I have discovered there can be quite a few positives in covering up part of your face.

For example, if you forget to brush your teeth, no worries, your bad breath will only be offensive to your nose.

Also, for those who are inclined to have panic attacks, no need for a paper bag. Just breathe deeply into your mask.

For a woman, a mask can be the next best thing to having plastic surgery.

Everything below your nose is covered; hence, those saggy jowls and lines around your mouth are no longer an issue.

Also, with our mouths covered up, there is no need for lipstick, making it one less thing to do in the morning.

So, now that we have established that masks and face coverings are not only beneficial in curbing the spread of the coronavirus but can also be advantageous in other ways, the only thing left to decide is what kind of mask works best for you.

Initially, I started out with the western look. I had several bandanas at the house and just tied one.

As people in town began to make masks, I felt honored when I was given two of these homemade cloth face coverings.

Also, this week my dad was cleaning out his workshop and found some dust masks that he shared with hubby and me.

It has been nice to have an assortment of masks because it means I don’t have to wash them as often.

I am ready for the effects of COVID-19 to go away, but until they do, masks and face coverings may be one thing that will help keep us all safe until a vaccine is found.

Hopefully, that will come sooner than later, and then we’ll be able to put away our masks.

 

Terri Cowart Frazier is a staff writer for The Vicksburg Post. She can be reached at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com.