Posted by:
knotheadusc
(
)
Date: May 12, 2020 04:05AM
I finished dual master's degrees in 2002. One in public health (MPH) and the other in social work (MSW). One of my jobs when I was in school was working as a writer for the Bureau of Epidemiology, although epidemiology was not my focus for my MPH. I think I got the job because I have a bachelor's degree in English and enjoy writing. I am pretty well versed on this stuff and have been reading up on it... and not just in media sources. I don't work in the field now, but I'm not uninformed, so to speak.
Even back in 2002, epidemiology was a hot field. I wish I'd had the math aptitude to study it, because epidemiologists are very employable and the field is fascinating. But you have to enjoy math and statistics, and I don't. At the time, the program I was doing (dual MPH/MSW) was only open to one concentration of study, which at the time was health administration and macro social work. I understand my alma mater has since opened up other possible focus combinations. I'm pretty sure it's possible to do the health promotion MPH with micro social work (working with individuals as opposed to groups), for instance.
Anyway... while I understand why people think the masks are very helpful and I do respect the rules and wear them when I have to, I think it's much better to stay home as much as possible. I don't have a lot of faith that homemade masks, in particular, which are made with a variety of different materials by people with varying skill, are that useful. A lot of people don't wear the masks properly. I saw a video last night of an anchorwoman wearing one while delivering the news. It kept slipping off her nose, and she no doubt had to push it back up, causing her to touch her face and probably the front of the mask. I also realize that many people don't wash their hands often enough, even after they go to the bathroom. And lots of people will continue to wear the same mask for many days on end, never washing or replacing it. Some folks will simply cover their nose and mouth to technically obey the rules and keep others from shaming or harassing them.
So... no, I'm not on the facemask bandwagon, but for now, I will comply with the rules so people don't bug me about it. Fortunately, I don't have to go out in public much at all and people in my German neighborhood are sensible and respectful. I am extremely grateful to be in Germany instead of the United States right now. If I were in the USA, watching all the gun toting kooks storming the state capitals, I might be a lot more pro facemask. Either way, I hope they DON'T become something that people are expected to wear from now on. The thought of that is very depressing to me. I like to see people's smiles.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/12/2020 04:06AM by knotheadusc.