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Years ago I visited Japan to see an electron microscope that our lab was considering purchasing. I noted many wearing masks. I asked my host about this and he told me that people were trying not to spread colds and flu. Cities like Tokyo have a high enough population density that it can be a real problem. People were trying to prevent the spread. of their illness. Think of it as serving your neighbor.

My wife caught covid-19 just before Christmas last year because many of her students had attended a party the week before Christmas and they infected other students and faculty. She was running a high fever. Happily, she has been teaching for several years and her immune system is pretty strong. Still, she was very sick and down for almost a week. A little compassion and consideration for those around you makes healthy communities.

I admit that I got tired of seeing Dr. Faucci on TV. Dr Birx seem less enamored with the publicity. The initial briefings from Gov Coumo were helpful, but it seemed like he got enamored with the limelight. The Department of Health did a good job reporting case counts and many of us used their data analysis (nicely collated by the New York Times) to let us do our own analyses for state and county results. We the people fund this work so we deserve access to the data.

Why Do Japanese People Wear Surgical Masks?

Many people assume the Japanese wear surgical masks because they’re sick, but the number one reason for wearing them is actually due to allergies. Disposable face masks marketed specifically to allergy sufferers first appeared on the market in 2003. Unlike their predecessors, these masks were cheap, disposable and easy to use. The new masks featured unwoven material, which the company claimed created a barrier to help block out pollen and other allergy triggers, making your hay fever much more bearable.

As the mask became a common sight in Japan, people began to use them for more than just cold and allergy season, however. Masks with fun patterns or brand logos turned them into a fashion accessory, and not always for show. Wearing a disposable mask has the practical use of keeping your face warm in the colder months. And no matter what the season, they can also be used as a quick cover-up when you don’t feel like showing the world your no-makeup face.

For others, they offer anonymity and a break from social interaction. By wearing a mask, you not only make yourself less approachable, but you no longer have to put effort into the interactions you do have and react accordingly with a smile, frown or laugh, because no one can see it.

https://theculturetrip.com/asia/japan/articles/why-do-japanese-people-wear-surgical-masks/