Wearing a mask does more than prevent the spread of Covid-19
Wearing a mask does more than prevent the spread of Covid-19, it also sends a powerful message, in the same way a Brand does.
When we see the logo of a familiar brand we have an instinctive, emotional, response, as well as bringing back memories or narratives associated with the brand.
The surgical face mask has a very similar effect. When we see a mask we are reminded of the Virus, its hidden presence amongst us and all the other important narratives that go with it.
Only two weeks ago, when nobody in Victoria was wearing a mask, I was feeling much more confident “the danger has pretty much passed” partly because there were very few people wearing masks. Now we are back in lockdown I have noticed I instinctively keep a greater distance from mask wearer as they are reminding me of Covid-19.
Simply wearing a mask makes us all more Covid-19 aware and more cautious.