Payton Sellers, ’23

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

Payton Sellers (PS): I thought it was fine, if most people are vaccinated and test negative than it is okay to not wear a mask. 

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

PS: I choose to wear a mask to protect myself and others, I have a grandma who I see frequently and I don’t want her to catch covid from me

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

PS: I think they are able to make their own choices and are responsible for what they decide to do

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

PS: I will wait to see if this was a good decision or not when we see the outcome in a few weeks, if everyone continues to test negative then it is fine!

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

PS: Yes, I do think there should always be an alternative for those who feel unsafe with the new mask policy. .

TC: Do you feel like this mask mandate is causing people to worry or calm them about COVID-19?

PS: I think this has both effects, there are some who will feel safer seeing the restrictions loosen up they might think covid is reaching it’s end. Others may see this as a problem and puts more people at risk for getting covid and spreading covid