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It was the third day in a row that we had taken Pierre on a bike ride in the neighborhood. He was one happy kid, and we were two happy parents!
Freedom had finally come again to the children of Spain!
I can remember when the Coronavirus first made its grand entrance into Spain. The numbers seemed to sky rocket overnight.
In those beginning days, government officials here in Spain, next door in France, in the U.S., and in many countries around the world told us that masks weren’t necessary. They were actually not recommended. We were told that they could actually cause more harm than good—especially if you didn’t remove them properly or discard them quickly.
The Conversation Changed
As the numbers rose by the thousands each day for weeks, the conversation began to shift.
Were masks helpful or harmful? Should you wear a mask or not? Were masks our friends or our foes?
It was confusing, and no one knew what to do.
Those who wanted to wear a face mask out of precaution couldn’t find one. They were all sold out in pharmacies and on online stores.
I guess it didn’t matter if we couldn’t find masks. Apparently, they didn’t do any good anyway.
At least that’s what they said.
Another Voice, Another Message
Until . . . another voice spoke out about masks. It wasn’t a large, powerful nation that screamed at the world from the top of its lungs. No, it was a “smaller” country.
The Czech Republic.
The message was loud and clear. “I protect you. You protect me.”
In the video, the Minister of Health of the Czech Republic, Adam Vojtech, pleaded with the world to wear face masks.
“I recommend to all fellow ministers and governments to implement population-wide use of face masks, even homemade ones. Today, we see that this was one of the most important decisions that we have made. And, if it helped here, it can help anywhere.”
Adam Vojtech
France, Spain, the U.S., and many other countries began to listen and to change their discourse, suggesting that face masks could perhaps protect people from the deadly Coronavirus.
But, masks were nowhere to be found. Nowhere—at least here in Spain.
We Needed Masks!
The Coronavirus numbers here in Spain were alarming. It had been several weeks since we had been out the door to get groceries.
We had stocked up on everything just before the lockdown, but we were running out of the staples—milk, juice, bread, etc. A grocery store run was necessary.
After hearing the poignant message from the Czech Republic, Vincent and I were both convinced that we should wear masks in public.
Neither of us sew. We don’t own a sewing machine. Our sewing kit is one of those hotel freebies with only a few random supplies.
Vincent found a YouTube video of a “no sew mask.” All it required was some material, a safety pin, and some elastic bands.
Let’s Make Our Own!
We gathered the needed supplies from the basement. Our sewing kit had two safety pins. We found some old paper luggage tags (with elastic bands) still tightly tied onto the handles of our suitcases. I had some grey, jersey material from my bag of fabric scraps I used for weaving. At least the jersey fabric would be soft on our faces. We might not be able to breathe, but at least it would be soft and comfy.
Vincent and I set to work at the dining room table, following the YouTube video’s instructions with great precision.
Well, as much precision as we could manage. Our “no sew masks” didn’t look quite the same as the ones on the video, but they were good enough.
Vincent would at least be protected as he headed into the local grocery store. We all felt relieved.
A few days later, in texting with a dear friend back in Pennsylvania, she mentioned that she had been busy sewing masks.
“Can you please send us six for our family?” I asked her.
“We will send them right away!” she replied with eagerness.
They were mailed a few days later. We never received them, even though they were mailed over three months ago. These days, we rarely receive mail. Who knows when we might receive them? Perhaps they were stolen by others who also couldn’t find masks to buy.
Instead, we made due with our simple “no sew” masks. We didn’t really care what they looked like, or if our faces sweat profusely under the soft, jersey material. We were protected. That’s what was most important.
A Surprise on Our Doorstep
Several months into the pandemic, upon returning from a late morning walk with Pierre, we were surprised to see several of our neighbors outside talking to one another.
Everyone had just received a present in the mail from our city’s town hall. It was a large plastic ziplock bag full of 10 light-blue face masks. Wow! What a surprise!
In the bag, there was note, thanking the residents for their cooperation during this time. It also thanked the children and their parents for staying in their homes during all those long days.
Yes, 50 days!
Now, everyone in our town has a mask . . . the same mask. There will be no originality or cool tiger print. But, we are thankful!
That was our “old” town. As you know, our family just moved to a new house. On the day of our move, we were pleasantly surprised to find a similar gift on our “new” doorstep.
Now, our family has 20 face masks!
Good Results
As a result of everyone wearing face masks in Spain, the number of Coronavirus cases and deaths have significantly decreased during the past weeks. The country has gradually moved through Phases 1, 2, and 3. Starting June 21, there will be no more restrictions . . . except for required face masks.
My mother in the U.S. was shocked the other day when I called her from the car wearing my blue face mask. Yes, it’s required here. If you are in a car with someone, if you are in a public area and cannot maintain a 6-foot (2 meter) social distance (grocery stores, public transportation, etc.), you must wear a mask at all times. There are exceptions for children under age six, those with respiratory illness, and those who are exercising.
“The new rules do not establish specific sanctions for those who refuse to wear a mask. Legal sources believe that, like the rest of the orders under the state of alarm, offenders will be subject to the Public Safety Law, also known as the “Gag Law.” Under this law, a person can be fined between €100 and €600 for minor breaches.”
El Païs
In many stores, in addition to required masks, there is an employee standing at the entrance with a large bottle of hand sanitizer and/or plastic gloves for you to wear. It’s serious business here.
On the other hand, when I talk to my mother, I am shocked to hear that masks aren’t required in the US. Perhaps that is why they are already facing a “second wave” in some areas.
It’s not too late!
Watch and listen to the video from the Czech Republic. It’s convincing. Remember, “I protect you. You protect me.”
Not knowing how to sew is no excuse. Just like us, you can make a “no sew” mask. Wherever you are in the world, you can wear it . . . even if you are the only one. You never know, you might start a new trend!
—THE CULTURAL STORY-WEAVER
MY GIFT TO YOU—GET YOUR FREE EBOOK—“THE 5-DAY JOURNEY TO CULTURAL AWARENESS”!
LET’S WEAVE CULTURES!
What has been your country’s message and rule about wearing face masks? What is your personal opinion on them? Are you wearing one?
We invite you to tell us your own cultural stories and global adventures . . . as you engage with the world, breaking down barriers, building bridges, and “weaving cultures”! Write about them in the comment box below.
