There are probably a lot of future PhD theses in exploring why masks have become such a polarising issue in the US, compared to pretty much any other country.

@adders In Sweden where I live the mask is also a diving matter. Our health department has not recommended common people to wear them and the official point of view masks can make things worse. People who wear masks tend to touch their faces more often due to the facts the health department is referring to.

@ajennische That’s interesting - it’s not really surfaced in the reporting of Sweden over here.

@adders I live in the capital Stockholm and we never had a lockdown. More than 50 people at the same place is forbidden and everyone is strongly recommended to keep social distance and work from home if possible. Our problem is that the virus has gotten into elderly homes which has led to a lot of deaths. Out walking the streets of Stockholm you see maybe one out of a hundred (at the most) wearing a mask. The debate whether it should be adviced has been intense the last couple of weeks but usage outside of health and hospitals is rare.

@ajennische Around here (Portugal) we had the same issue with homes for the elderly. We did have a lockdown though. At the beginning, when WHO was recommending only health professionals use masks, the government followed that, and most people didn’t wear them. After a month, month and a half, the rules changed and now there’s mandatory mask use in a lot of public places (public transit, supermarkets, shops,...). The pandemic seems quite controlled here at the moment.

@adders Who knew wanting to survive a virus would be polarizing? But here we are. What’s next? Helmets on motorcycles? Seatbelts in cars? Parachutes in planes?

@maique good to hear it’s seems under control in Portugal. Up here we are free to be outside which I am very greatful for. And the schools for 6-16 year olds have been open all the time. Maybe it’s been bad for the spread but it’s no doubt it’s been good for all kids.

@ajennische Schools are opening again here. Kids can go back now. We were always able to go out, but there was a period of state of emergency where only for small walks around the place where you live, and a couple of weekends (Easter and May 1) where you couldn't leave your area of residence. Hope everything works out ok for everyone. Stay safe.