It is often forgotten that wearing a mask, other than certain masks reserved for healthcare workers, protects less the person wearing it than the one facing them. The person wearing a mask thinks they are primarily protecting themselves, but they are actually protecting others.
Nevertheless, if mask-wearing becomes widespread, the sum of each individual’s protection results in collective protection. This is why the widespread use of masks against the coronavirus does not have major benefits during lockdown periods. The measure, if implemented, could even prove counterproductive if it is interpreted as an alternative practice to lockdown, which remains necessary.
However, at the time of “deconfinement,” supported by widespread testing, wearing masks will allow the prevention of a second wave and effectively protect the population while the virus is still circulating.
The population has already started to embrace this reality, and we are witnessing the development of generous initiatives for mask production by professionals, associations, or volunteers in all cities and villages. We must encourage and assist them in this concrete effort.
We know that everyone will have to wear a mask at the time of deconfinement. We must ensure, in a spirit of solidarity, that in the Alpes-Maritimes, everyone, whether they live in a village or a metropolis, can have access to one.
Jean Leonetti, Mayor of Antibes
