By Ewelina Lepionko
The use of facemasks by the general public during the raging coronavirus pandemic remains a controversial topic to this day. As the world starts emerging from the coronavirus lockdowns, political leaders are being closely scrutinized over their choice to wear a mask – or not to.
Presidents, prime ministers and other public officials are poised to lead by example. While many global leaders have embraced the protective measure, some still remain staunchly opposed to wearing a mask. The choices they make and how they carry themselves can send a more powerful message than what they say.
Since the coronavirus outbreak, facemasks have become potent symbols of how leaders have responded to a ongoing global public health crises that created international economic devastation with political stalemates.
Leaders who don’t cover run the risk of signaling that they think fears of the virus are overblown. Some don’t want to create an alarm. Those who do wear them suggest a sense of solidarity and a nod toward science.
Many western governments counseled against facemasks for the general public at the start of the outbreak, which has now claimed more than 350,000 lives worldwide and the infection of over 5.5 million people with the numbers set to continue to rise.
But as people start returning to work despite the lack of a treatment or vaccine, masks are being encouraged or even required as a critical antivirus tool, along with hand-washing and social distancing.
