Junior Counts Shanks comes home from school and washes her hands immediately. Her family has always done this, even before the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Shanks, she believes it is important that we wear masks, because not only is it protecting you from the virus, but it’s also protecting the ones that do have a higher risk of getting the virus than others.

 “Well, the N-95 are obviously the best, and I wish we could all get a N-95 because that protects us from giving the virus to anyone else, or even getting the virus ourselves,” Shanks said. 

Although these masks are very limited, not everyone can get one of these. N-95 are strictly put towards those inside of the medical profession. 

“Until the virus dies down, it is extremely important to be in our mask,” Shanks said. “It doesn’t matter if we are around very many people.” 

Shanks knows the feeling of being really precautious, because when she was 13, her father had a liver transplant. He had a rare genetic disease. During that time when her father’s life was in jeopardy, it made her realize how precious everyone’s life is. According to Shanks, we’re all fighting this virus but if we are not doing the things required, then we are just putting everyone else’s life in danger. 

“I think the masks are helpful. I don’t think they’re 100 percent,” nurse Stacy Hubbard said. “I do think they will help slow things down.” 

It is still very important to always stay sanitized and still make sure you’re washing your hands and staying away from people who seem like they are sick, according to Hubbard. 

“N-95 are probably the best type of mask that you’re going to want,” she said. “They are made out of a fabric material and they are very thick which helps any particles or anything going through the mask.” 

Even though the mask helps that, it is always good to make sure to not get too close to anyone, Hubbard said.

“I think if you’re outside, you’re fine not to wear a mask, as long as you’re not around a lot of people,” she said.

Hubbard believes that being outside is safe to not wear a mask. She still thinks it is better to be safe since the virus can travel through the air. 

“Indoors you need a mask, regardless of where you’re at right now,” Hubbard said. “Again you’re not 100 percent gonna prevent it, but they’re going to help.”