I always wear a mask when I leave my home. Always!
I wear a mask when I visit members in the stores and packing plants. I wear a mask when I meet with Union leadership and staff. I wear a mask when I speak with neighbors on my street.
Yes, I wear a mask in part to protect myself from the COVID-19 virus, but this is not the most important reason.
I wear a mask to show consideration to the many others I encounter in my daily duties as secretary-treasurer of UFCW 8-Golden State. I wear a mask to encourage others to do the same. I wear a mask because I try to be a responsible member of the community.
Wearing a mask can help protect you from being infected by the virus, but it is even more effective in protecting the people around you in case you are infected and don’t know it.
Some people who have the COVID-19 virus — especially young people who are normally healthy and have strong immune systems — show few if any symptoms, but they can still infect other people who won’t necessarily be so lucky.
Wearing a mask is one of the best ways to prevent spreading the virus to a family member, friend, neighbor or co-worker who is older or has an immune system which is diminished due to diabetes, HIV, heart disease or an array of other health conditions.
Even young and outwardly healthy individuals can get sick or worse because of this devastating disease.
The spread of COVID-19 can be reduced most effectively when cloth face coverings are used along with other preventive measures, including social distancing, frequent hand-washing, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
Please be safe, please be kind, and please do what you can to protect others.
With COVID-19 infections on the rise in California, we must continue to speak out as a Union and as individuals: “Wear a mask, save lives.”
This is why I always wear a mask — and you should, too.
Solidarity works!
