I'm a fish who posts about covid safety and probably yells into the void a lot. I'm always free to talk to if you have questions or just want to rant back at me, so feel free to drop an ask or dm <3
Covid Cod says thank you to those who have never given up on taking the proper precautions to protect yourself and others. You are seen, you are appreciated, and you are doing good work. To those that stopped, know you will not be judged if you decide to pick it up again, and that best time to start masking again is today!
Starting small is better than not starting at all- consider masking in certain situations, at concerts, on airplanes, or anywhere else you really wouldn't want to get sick anyways, and consider expanding your list- You never know who around you is asymptomatic, or for that matter who might be the most impacted if YOU happened to be asymptomatic at that moment.
Personal retrospective on the last 6 years under the cut, as well as where I am today: (spoiler alert! I LOVE masking and am HAPPY!)
Masking is a part of my life now, as Covid is a part of everyone's, whether they choose to acknowledge it or not. I feel genuine joy in masking, and I want those that judge me and others for taking these precautions, who are more scared of what people will think of them or of experiencing a mild daily discomfort than they are of spreading serious disease or contracting a lifelong disability to know that such a thing is possible.
There is no more inconvenience to putting on a mask before I leave the house than putting on a pair of shoes, and I would feel the same amount of exposed going out bare-faced as I would bare-foot (Bare-fin? Do we care about keeping up the fish metaphor?). Wearing a mask all day long simply produces the same discomfort wearing shoes for a long period does in my mind, and is more than worth the risk and pain I know I would experience without either on!
I wear mask chains! I have so many and they are so cute! They are way more convenient for me to wear than ANY other jewelry, since I dont have to put them on and take them off every day if my mask has more uses in it, and I don't have to feel the texture of them against my bare skin. I use so many cool colors of mask, too, and everything can match up with my outfit :D I genuinely feel and look at my best when I'm wearing my mask!
I never have to worry about making the wrong facial expression, yawning during a meeting, or mouthing along to the lyrics of a song I'm listening to- I never have to worry about how the entire bottom half of my face looks AT ALL. Honestly, I kinda like how a couple of my masks shape my face as well!
There are so many minute benefits to wearing a mask that easily counterbalance every minute complaint I've seen over and over the last 6 years, so I wanted to share them since you never get to see the positive side other than the. You know. Not spreading dangerous diseases part. Which should really be the primary reason anyways, but I understand the nature of humans is to care more about the immediate reward than the long-term prevention.
Which, of course, speaking of: I haven't been sick. in YEARS. During these last 6 years, I've started and graduated college in person. I've had jobs that primarily deal with CHILDREN. I take public transportation every single day. I think at most I've contracted a mild week-long cold maybe once per year? Which considering the average is 3-8 I think I'm doing pretty well for myself. And, of course, I have never once to my knowledge contracted Covid. I home-test frequently (which are not the most accurate which is why there is of course room for error!) and have generally stayed healthier than I have ever been while I am forced to watch those around me suffer worse and worse new and lasting problems. To me, this is the worst part of masking, and "still-coviding" (i wish we had a better name). I hate watching those around me get sick, even those who take just as many precautions as I do, but who aren't as lucky to have a supportive community around them as I am. There are parts of me that are very very angry with the world for not listening, and at myself for not being convincing enough. But there is enough anger in this world, and it hardly ever changes anyone's mind. I made Covid Cod to try and be positive, silly, and kind while still being educational.
To anyone who has read this far: thank you, and please let me know your ideas (if any) for future Covid Cod Comics. You are always welcome to chat and share your own experiences with me through the comments, askbox, or messages. Covid Cod out! Keep up the hard work! You are loved and appreciated every day!
The question is easier for humans than for fish! Make sure your mask covers both your mouth and nose and has a proper seal in place!
The best mask for you differs for each person's unique face shape and sensory needs, but if you need recommendations drop an ask- the best time to start masking again is today!
