I get it. I really do. Interacting with other people who don’t care about Covid or communicable disease is inherently risky, even with N95 respirators or multiple precautionary measures. No mitigation effort is perfect, save for complete isolation. If you are able to take precautions and participate in community with others though you are showing solidarity with the most vulnerable in our society.

I work in an elementary school. I get asked why I wear a mask all the time. I consider it my duty to my young, old, disabled, and marginalized comrades to answer this question truthfully. Despite their reaction to my answers, I have felt my influence on others in my school. Whether it’s one child who wore a mask while he was sick to our NEA rep pushing for better filtration in our HVAC. Your participation matters a lot.

Edit: I don’t mean to make you feel obligated to take risk that you are uncomfortable with. Please don’t interpret what I’ve said as a moralistic grandstand or a condemnation of valuing personal safety.