With almost a year passed after the first outbreak of COVID-19, masks have grown frustrating, and it’s good to have a reminder of just why we need to wear them.

First, masks prevent germs exiting your nose and mouth from traveling to others. This helps keep our environment clean, regardless of COVID-19.

“A lot of times we see that the spread happens more outside of school or at home,” Nurse Shanelle Stewart said. “You’re infectious two days before you start feeling bad, so that’s when it spreads the most.”

Masks are less likely to be outside government-required buildings, as Stewart mentioned, demonstrating the need for them in public places especially.

Secondly, recent data shows that face masks could save as many as 34,000 lives in the next few months.  And, wearing a mask protects those around you who have terminal illnesses, like the elderly and children.  

One of the biggest complaints about masks is that they make it more difficult to breathe. However, recent research shows no change in oxygen intake when a mask is worn.

Stewart urges students to wear any kind of face covering to stop the spread, and that the most important thing is to make sure your nose is covered.

Overall, we should do all we can to protect our community. With all the crises happening, it’s hard to remember to continue to support others and show empathy, but wearing masks is vital to keeping Prosper afloat. Let’s look out for each other.

To keep track of how COVID-19 is affecting the school district, this dashboard details the total number of students and faculty and the number of COVID-19 cases logged. The dashboard is updated at least weekly.