In Response

Dear Editor,

After reading Ms. Sarah Hitchcock's letter to the editor in the Dec. 2, 2020, Courier, I must say I will agree to disagree. I understand Ms. Hitchcock's stance on the paramount importance of individual liberty in America, and her argument is well-articulated. I was also curious about the Danish study cited in her letter and looked it up online. What I learned is that there are many nuances in what the study was and was not designed to measure, and scientists' opinions differed as to what conclusion could be drawn.

I think one point that Ms. Hitchcock overlooks in her argument is that, whether people believe in wearing a mask or not, our interaction with the larger world depends on other people staying healthy and well so that the necessary functions and essential services can continue to be carried out in our community. How do people who function and serve at their jobs stay healthy? By following safety precautions the best we can and wearing mask is a huge part of it. Unless a person lives in a completely self-sufficient home and doesn't ask for anything or anyone outside the home, this person at the very least needs to appreciate those who don't mind wearing a mask in order to keep our community going.

Simply put, we all have benefitted from people who sacrifice a bit of personal liberty for the greater public well-being. Many scientists have advocated for mask-wearing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Focusing on one inconclusive study is perhaps why Ms. Hitchcock is not convinced yet.

Sincerely,

Lih-An Yang

Glasgow, Mont.