Over the mouth and nose! On at all times! That is how students are supposed to wear their masks. Many students at Liberty North do not follow these guidelines by the health department. I cannot explain enough how important it is to wear a mask in these times though.

   One of the biggest reasons students and staff have to wear these masks no matter how annoying they are is to keep everyone safe. The masks protect both the people around us and ourselves from anything. Students can yell from the rooftops how annoying the masks are but it does not change the fact we need to wear them.

   I hate wearing the masks myself as it causes me to break out, the ear loops can rub my skin raw on my ears, and it is especially bad during allergy season when I cannot breathe even without the mask on. Even with all these negatives, I still wear the mask every day, everywhere, and all day. I know that wearing these masks help and they will keep people safe even if we are the age group that is least vulnerable.

   People have lost plenty of friends and family to this virus. Most people know someone that has lost someone, even I know people that have. That seems like a solid reason why people should wear a mask properly and even in general. We can save lives by wearing a mask.

   It may not seem that big of a deal to students that during passing periods some have the mask below the nose or practically all the way off but it is. The reason it is still a big deal is that germs and bacteria can still spread from your nose. This is important information that people do not know and should know.

   A big rebuttal that some give to not following the guidelines is that they do not show symptoms. I would like to explain to everyone that even if you are not showing symptoms you could still have the virus but you are asymptomatic. This means you have the virus but do not show any of the symptoms. This alone should be enough reason to wear your mask over your mouth and nose at all times.

   Wear your masks properly so that we can end this pandemic sooner and hopefully go back to somewhat normal. I know I want to be able to see all my friends again without masks and social distancing. All it takes for this to happen is to follow CDC guidelines and wear your mask. Remember to keep it on at all times unless you are eating, doing lots of physical exercise, are alone, or are outside staying six feet apart.