A Display of Solidarity, Face Masks are Reviving Humility

To wear a mask, or to not wear a mask? The answer is not as straightforward, depending on where you live and who you listen to. As of Wednesday, May 20, all 50 states have begun reopening to some extent after almost two months of lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. Each with its own set of regulations and social-distancing requirements, the debate over mask requirements is still a sensitive one among governors and business owners alike. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing face masks in public settings to help “slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.” But many still do not follow the CDC recommendation, including the president. 

Protests and public outrage against wearing face masks have turned into an argument of infringement on personal rights. The backlash has led some state officials to rescind mandatory face coverings in public – to just an encouragement. Dr. Robert R. Redfield, the director of the CDC, warned in March that around 25 percent of people infected with coronavirus are asymptomatic. Public health officials are worried about people relaxing social distancing practices and neglecting to wear face masks as the states reopen.  

Upon reopening, many states are requiring employees of essential and non-essential businesses to wear a face-covering when interacting with the public. Currently, 12 states require individuals to wear masks in public to reduce the spread of the virus. Opposition from the public and confusing messages from the government is forcing businesses to make a judgment call on whether they require patrons to wear a mask or not. 

In Nevada, Gov. Steve Sisolak, issued Roadmap to Recovery for Nevada, a set of guidelines for businesses and individuals during the state’s reopening. The document encourages constituents to wear a face mask in public to protect one another. “It’s simple,” he tweets, “it’s on each of us to look out for one another by wearing a face covering if you have to leave your home.” 

Businesses like Fergusons Downtown in Las Vegas are taking responsibility and promoting the importance of wearing a face mask in public and reminding the community to have compassion for each other. “The best thing we can do is wear a mask. It doesn’t do much for you, it helps others. If we all do that, we’re all protecting each other,” says creative director and co-founder, Jen Taler.

Fergusons Downtown sign on Fremont St. in Las Vegas, NV. Photo courtesy of Aimlee Photography 

Fergusons Downtown reopened five days after Phase I, taking the time to clean and prepare staff and retail tenants for the public before officially reopening on May 14. Fergusons Downtown has clear guidelines for patrons, “we will require any and all individuals to wear a mask on property.” While those who want to shop inside are required to wear face coverings, people who cannot or choose not are able to use the curbside service. 

Overall the community’s reaction to the requirement of masks on the property has been positive. “It’s been really nice to see phase I open and not be chaos,” Taler says, “people are coming out to support, do what they need to do, get fresh air, and respecting boundaries.” Taler reports  200-300 visitors came to the property throughout each day over their first weekend of reopening. Nevada retail businesses are allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity, but to reduce the risk of transmission and not to neglect social distancing guidelines, Fergusons Downtown operates at approximately 10 percent capacity and continues to re-evaluate their guidelines daily.

Using social media to advocate social distancing and the use of masks, Fergusons Downtown started a hashtag campaign on Instagram to reiterate the CDC’s guidelines and encourage followers to show one another empathy. “As we continue to navigate these unchartered waters, we want to continue to show up and do our part. Which is being the best community partner and wearing our mask,” reads the original post of the #ivalueyou campaign.

Connie Ann, a patron of Fergusons Downtown, wearing a face mask made by Veronica Torres-Miller. Photo courtesy of Kodi Rene

Posts quickly began accumulating from followers who wanted to voice their support for Ferguson Downtown’s decision and let others know they value them too. Photos show supporters wearing their cloth mask, most of which were made by local maker Veronica Torres-Miller, with the words “I wear a mask not for me, but for my community,” others say they wear a mask for their families, the city of Las Vegas, and for a better tomorrow. It has become a showcase of local humility.

As a business owner, Taler doesn’t minimize the severity of the economic situation that many small business owners and employees are in right now. She said it’s a “tricky space” to be in, but exploring other avenues such as online ordering is just one of the ways some businesses can continue to operate. For now, the many events they hosted monthly prior to the shutdown in March will continue as online experiences on social media and virtual events.

During a time where people are expressing disbelief of the virus, anger over social distancing, and in extreme cases violence because of face mask requirements, the simple message “I value you” is a reminder that we all should be in this together. “It just keeps changing every day,” said Taler. If there is any certainty in the current climate, it is that COVID-19 will not just go away by itself.