It’s official, and by medical officials: when out in public where six feet or more of distancing isn’t certain – I’m thinking grocery stores, shopping centres, fuel stations, indoor places that aren’t your home – be a neighbour and put on a non-medical mask. Easy right? Turns out for a small minority, nope.

Part of living in a democratic country where free speech is a given right, there’s always some folks that can’t even. That’s all well and good but in times of world pandemic, I’d like them to want to do the neighbourly thing and put on the mask.

Science professionals have been guiding us through so far. For me, there’s no reason not to listen. First, they are the experts. Medical professionals are following the advice of the experts so I am - as a non-medical, non-expert part of the community - happy to comply. My and your actions literally influence the speed of the spread. For the record, I believe Covid-19 spread is not a race that anyone should want to quicken.

The fashion community was ultra-fast in reacting, pivoting, and supplying the world with all sorts of medical and non-medical personal protective equipment. Cue the conga line in rapturous celebration please and thank you. From design houses making masks to perfumeries making sanitizer, I am proud of the work. Fashion need not be frivolous, it has a purpose and, in the case of attempting to manage the pandemic, an incredibly essential one. 

Masks in public in Canada are now essential, says the officials. But just like with free speech in this fine nation, action of free will are at play. If you are having issues with putting one on yourself, perhaps reframing it would help. May I entertain your grey tissue with the following scenarios?

Think of the mask like the pee scenario…

There are many graphics and videos explain what happens in various levels of covering up between two people in a close proximity peeing on the floor situation. Masks are like pants. A sneeze or other moist excretions are illustrated by urine.

Level zero: no pants in a pissing situation means both people likely get pissed on. Bounce back sucks.

When the non peeing person wears pants and the peeing person is still nude, both get splashed on. Gross. No one likes this level either.

When the person who pees wears pants, they keep most of the pee on themselves and perhaps a splash gets on the nude, no peeing person nearby. This is level two. Still not great but certainly progress.

Level three is the best – not perfect – but best place to be with reasonable effort. Both folks wear pants and the pissing spray stay mostly on the peeing persons pants and the other person may get a splash on their pants. While they may or may not have pee on their pants, it’s nice to know that at least it’s not on their bare skin. Certainly, an upgrade but again, nothing is perfect.

Think of the mask like a game of hot, hot lava…

If you’re a child at heart like me, often reframing a situation I’m not super into – like socializing with a boring spouse, say Bob, of a loved one, let’s name him Jim, and pretending you’re super into Bob because you love Jim and Bob makes Jim happy. Be nice to Bob. If you have either the emotionally intelligence of shear imagination to do that when it comes to wearing a mask, I say do it. Pretend the air is hot, hot lava – aka: Bob but no so boring now as he is lava, fashion friends - and the only way to protect yourself and jump from day to day is by wearing a mask. A little self mind trickery can help get you through.

Think of the mask like part of a superhero costume…

Again, I’m a child. I love costumes. Superheroes often come with rad costumes with super powers themselves. Be a community super hero and wear your mask when out and about. Masks in this state of emergency can be super. It’s a great way to show you care and understand that a hero is not complete, without a fabulous costume. Adding a cape to the mix is optional.

Think of the mask as another chance to #makeitfashion…

Fashion is a playground for you to enjoy. Think of a mask like another accessory to try. Except, it’s THE accessory for 2020, for sure. Masks are wonderful because you can customize to your heart’s desire. Maybe it matches your look, maybe it clashes. Maybe it’s streamlined, maybe it’s a bandana vibe. It’s totally up to you. It’s an equality maker – gender, sexuality, background, ability, age, status - as masks are for everyone. And I do mean everyone should be wearing one. 

Interested in DIY-ing your own? Well done, you. Here are some tips. If you’re not up to rigging ones up, you can purchase non-medical mask as listed below.

• Buy something local from one of these Albertan makers.

• Support a Canadian brand by purchasing from one of these businesses.

• Or channel your inner Villanelle once these fabulous beauties are back in stock.

Get your mask on, would you? Be safe. Be kind. Be a community member that you and your loved ones would be proud of.