COVID-19 Etiquette: How to Deal With People Who Refuse to Wear Face Mask

Even after several months, COVID-19 continues to spread all over the world, and everyone is reminded to cooperate with the government and the healthcare system for faster recovery. Etiquette experts Thomas P. Farley and Steven Petrow, and food reporter Tim Carman, have shared some advice on the etiquette a person should follow during this pandemic.

Medical experts have also shared some guidelines to form the ultimate etiquette of this COVID-19 pandemic. This "covidiquette" will be updated once new updates are given regarding the infection and the rules implemented by authorities. In the meantime, being kind to others is the one universal etiquette that should be observed.

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Public Etiquette

Public healthcare workers require people to wear face masks to protect themselves and other people. Being aware of how far one should be from the other person will also help limit the spread of the virus. Since there are no federal laws that mandate the usage of masks, people nonetheless should follow this guideline, especially if they are going to be near other people.

For instance, if some do not comply, Farley said that it is best to physically distance oneself from that person and request the non-compliant individual to 'say hello' at an appropriate distance. 

It is also important to cover the mouth and nose when sneezing so as not to spread any pathogens. But for those who refuse to do so, ask politely to wear a mask or remind them in a subtle way that they slipped their mask, and that should do the trick.

Communicating Through the Internet

Since many have resorted to working from home, Zoom meetings have become the new normal for most people. But sometimes, communication might become ineffective since members of the group chat might start talking at the same time. To avoid this, assign one person to be the host of the meeting and ask members to keep their microphones on mute until it is their time to speak.

Farley also advises not to black the screen during Zoom meetings. When in video calls, one should be ready to see and be seen. But if the person is going to the bathroom or just got up, it is okay to turn off the camera and mute the audio for some privacy.

Also, in cases where the other party's household seems rowdy due to babies crying, try to offer rescheduling the meeting at a quieter time. But since most people work at home, one should not expect a library-like silence from all people as this is often next to impossible. Instead, be kind and be understanding.

READ: Why Are Some People in Denial With the Realities of COVID-19?

Dealing with Disagreements

When disagreeing about having get-togethers this time, Lyndsay Volpe-Bertram, the Spectrum Health section chief of psychology, said it would be best to validate the other person's emotions to defuse the situation and ask them to do the same for you. 

But if they refuse a direct "no" for an answer, advice columnist Carolyn Hax wrote that there are there steps to follow in dealing with this problem.

One, identify your mind and motives for refusing. Two, use that reasoning to say yes or no to invitations this COVID-19 COVID-19 pandemic in good faith. Lastly, Disengage from people who use emotions to blackmail others to make them do what they want.

To those who repetitively plead even after telling them logical reasons for not attending a get-together now, tell them it is not up for discussion then change the subject. To baseless accusations that might be thrown during the conversation, say, "I'm sorry you think that." But for pressure beyond these, end the interaction by saying that you have to go.

READ MORE: Man Dies From Coronavirus After Claiming It Was Just 'Hype' and Refusing to Wear Face Masks

Check out more news and information on COVID-19 in Science Times.