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MASKERADE
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Going barefaced is no longer an option for Sri Lankans now that the deadly coronavirus lurks right in front of our faces.
Face masks of all hues, patterns, makes, and standards, have become an essential accessory, if only to assure us without much scientific evidence that these flimsy strips of fabric are indeed protection against a molecular menace.
A face mask is a must even for those who are averse to face coverings, or those who would be tormented by the thought they would look nefarious, or even menacing in public, like bandits.
After all, the mask obscures visual cues, whatever they may be. They make us ambiguous characters, some times.
And let’s face it, they are are uncomfortable. They suffocate.
Masks even trip up voluble health care pundits lecturing barefaced from TV studios.
But, health authorities have forced us to conform telling us that our mere breath could be fatal to someone else.
The poor and the desperate wrap half of their faces with serviettes, nappies, bandanas, and even men’s handkerchiefs. But officials parade themselves in high-grade gear, some even fitted with external filters.
Sri Lankans who can afford to pay a price — as much as Rs 50, compared with just Rs 9 per piece in early January — conceal their nose and mouth with a surgical face mask. The vast majority dons colourful non-medical cloth masks.
Hospital-grade surgical masks and micro particle-filtering N95 masks are left for health care workers.
Wearing a face mask in this hot and humid island is not the law of the land, but it is just our way of showing simple solidarity with fellow humans, including the bumbling health care bureaucrats who give muddled messages, recommending them to us, having earlier resoundingly dismissed the need for them.
A face mask isn’t foolproof. We remain vulnerable and we disguise that fear.
The masquerade continues.
Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara