We were originally supposed to flatten the curve in Virginia. Well, the storm has never even hit Virginia! None of our hospitals have been overrun, and medical workers have been laid off due to insufficient patient census and cancelled procedures. ICU capacities are consistently around 25%. 

Even though there has been no massive influx of covid, the state has remained shut down. Small businesses and the service industry has suffered while major retailers have remained fully operational. Despite pleas to reopen, the governor has continued to stifle the citizens of Virginia, and most recently adjusted the phased reopening to further delay citizens getting back to their regular lives.

Now, looting and vandalism is overwhelming the state, once successful districts are victims of destruction, and the government remains silent. Looters, rioters and protestors are participating in events by the thousands. And now citizens are encouraged to assemble to celebrate "freedom day," in blatant contradiction of the government's ban on assembled crowds. A ban which was unconstitutional from its onset.

Clearly the government is sending mixed messages to its citizens, the least of which concerns masks. By encouraging assembly, disregarding previous "suggestions" for safety, and the governor himself not following his own safety measures, Virginia citizens are implored to use their own judgment for personal safety, including wearing masks in public.

No mask on the market today, except the N95 when it is professionally fitted, offers protection from covid 19. By requiring its citizens to use masks which are proven ineffective, and there so labeled on the box in which they come, Virginia is giving its citizens a false sense of security to those who chose to wear them, directly resulting in the abandonment of other safety precautions they may entail, such as social distancing.

Masks are not necessary to reopen Virginia, its economy or its schools. Everything should be reopened at normal levels and any citizen who wishes to stay home. Wear a mask, or social distance can have that option.