Flora Burke, parent

The Catalyst (TC): What is your reaction to the masking guidelines?

Flora Burke (FB): I am concerned for the teenagers that have pre-existing health conditions that have to wear a mask. I am worried that they will get bullied for choosing to keep wearing a mask while others aren’t.

TC: Why do you choose to wear a mask or not wear a mask?

FB: I wear a mask when I feel unsafe or when I think that others will feel unsafe by me not wearing a mask.

TC: What do you think of people who think differently from you: Those that are or are not wearing a mask?

FB: I think that they are self-centered and not empathetic to other people’s conditions.

TC: Do you think dropping masks in school was the best decision for the state to make?

FB: I do not know because kids aren’t as affected by the virus as adults are, and I don’t follow COVID statistics for kids. But I am concerned for the teachers.

TC: Do you think there should be an online option for community members that are not comfortable with these masking guidelines?

FB: Yes, however I do think that it could be abused by students.