Refusing to wear a mask

Canada
February 15, 2021 3:13pm CST
I'm a front line worker, and I mean as close on the front line as a person can get during this pandemic, of course like everywhere there are many protocols in place to keep the public safe. I don't question the policies, I listen to my employer and I follow them, trusting that the rules are there to protect me as well as others. Today we had a man enter the facility without a mask, and absolutely refused to wear one, I work in a hospital, so denying him access is not an option as you cannot refuse medical attention to anyone. It was difficult to explain to this person the importance of wearing a mask, as he thinks Covid is a complete and utter hoax. He believes it's a government conspiracy. So I offered him a shield instead of mask, and he refused that as well, he has no underlying medical conditions that would prevent him from wearing one, he just doesn't want to wear one. He became loud, cussing and yelling, I had to call my supervisor, who told him in no uncertain terms that he cannot enter the hospital without wearing a mask or he would have to leave. It ended up with having to call the police and he was removed by force from the premises. I've seen first hand how difficult this pandemic has been on folks, with the many rules in place, unable to be with your loved ones who are sick and you are not able to even visit them. There is no easy solution to a lot of the issues that come up on a regular basis since all this started. Now we have been plunged back in the Alert Level 5, our province topping over 200 hundred cases of the Covid Variant virus. These are scary times, a lot of people are dying. Why is something as simple as wearing a mask so difficult for some people.
9 people like this
9 responses
@CarolDM (203451)
• Nashville, Tennessee
15 Feb 21
Thoughts are with you and your job. Very difficult these days. Stay safe. I have lost 2 family members to COVID.
2 people like this
• Canada
15 Feb 21
So sorry for you loss Carol. Thanks for replying.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203451)
• Nashville, Tennessee
15 Feb 21
@RachelleDD Thank you.
@akalinus (40610)
• United States
15 Feb 21
No one likes wearing those masks. I do wear one to make others feel better about the spread of the virus. If I wear a mask, I won't spread the virus to others. If others don't wear a mask, they could spread it to me and anyone else near them. Wear a mask, people!
2 people like this
@rebelann (111263)
• El Paso, Texas
15 Feb 21
I wish I knew why some people are like that, they seem to have no regard for other people
2 people like this
@Juliaacv (48571)
• Canada
15 Feb 21
I feel for the front line workers such as yourselves for putting your own health and safety on the line. I am in a red zone also, and remain in the lockdown until at least the end of the month.
2 people like this
@paigea (35754)
• Canada
15 Feb 21
I don't know why people have to make such a fuss. It is no big deal to wear a mask all day at work. They fuss about wearing it for a few minutes in a store. Little children wear it all day at school without a fuss.
2 people like this
@florelway (23160)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
15 Feb 21
Our town has a policy on non wearing face mask. They are meted a fine of 2 dollars on first offense and community service on succeeding offense and more on the third offense. Some nearby towns charges 20 dollars.
1 person likes this
@prinzcy (32322)
• Malaysia
16 Feb 21
Why did he came to the hospital? Was he seeking treatment too?
• Canada
16 Feb 21
Blood collection appointment.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (58238)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
15 Feb 21
Because people might not have a visable reason for not wearing a mask. Some exemptions are invisible, and unless you asked the man if he had any conditions, directly (asthma, anxiety, so on) he may not have known, that by calming explaining he had something, you couldn't know. As a medical worker, a little understanding goes a long way. Is it really worth starting a fight with someone, if you could ask the question in a different way? Pointing fingers, blaming others helps who exactly?
• Canada
15 Feb 21
He was asked if he had medical reason, compassion goes a long way in any type of job, he came in with attitude, visibly agitated. The only reason he gave was that he thought it all bullshit and no one was gonna make him wear one. It was out of my hands once I called my supervisor. It was an unnecessary end to a simple solution. Thanks for replying.
2 people like this
@kaylachan (58238)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
15 Feb 21
Not a problem. Some people do have a bad attitude, and it can be trying on a good day. I have no problem answering if asked, but I haven't come across anyone willing to. Most Floridians are the non-confrontational type. @RachelleDD
1 person likes this
@xFiacre (12633)
• Ireland
15 Feb 21
@RachelleDD There will always be arrogant idiots. Sorry about that.
1 person likes this