Adjodah, D., Dinakar, K., Chinazzi, M., Fraiberger, S. P., Pentland, A., & Bates, S. (2021). Association between COVID-19 outcomes and mask mandates, adherence, and attitudes. PLOS ONE, 16(6), e0252315.
This source is arguing that lifting mask mandates is a logical measure due to the current vaccination rate, but in case no measures are taken, wearing a mask is still a reasonable solution. The article is using the following evidence: daily vaccination rates, new cases, deaths, and admission proportion, as well as effects of different mandates. These data are accurate and cannot be challenged as subjective views. As a counterargument, one can note that vaccination is not an objective reason to refuse to wear masks since, despite the acquired immunity, a person can remain a carrier of the virus.
I am sure that this source is supporting its arguments credibly because a variety of statistical data confirms that expanding the scope of vaccination is associated with no need to wear masks. The article will be helpful in supporting my argument because the information is recent and provided by reliable health agencies, which eliminates author bias or possible misrepresentation. I am planning to refute the aforementioned counterargument by identifying a positive correlation between vaccination and a decrease in the morbidity rate, which, in turn, will prove the groundlessness of wearing masks.
Shriver, L. (2021). It’s time to face the truth about masks. The Spectator, 346(10056), 23.
The presented source is arguing that mask mandates are meaningless in the face of mass vaccination of the population. To support this thesis, the article cites the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as an authoritative agency confirming the provided argument. In addition, the source cites data from various countries in which laws on compulsory wearing of masks did not come true and did not lead to the desired effect of reducing the incidence of COVID-19. A counterargument for this article’s thesis may be as follows: wearing masks is a form of social respect and a personal protective tool that prevents the spread of infection with close contacts.
I am sure this source has a solid background to support its argument because CDC is a reputable board that does not post unverified data. The article may be helpful in substantiating my argument for not using masks because one of the main reasons people are afraid to do so is a habit developed during the pandemic. To refute the counterargument, I would state that a mask, as a means of personal protection, may be relevant when no one is immune. Vaccination, in turn, provides such an opportunity and is a reason to remove the existing restrictions.
West, M. G. (2021). Covid-19 mask mandates are again at center of political battles. The Wall Street Journal.
This source is arguing that the abolition of mask mandates in the United States is a real prospect in the near future since such a decision can be made at the federal level. As a rationale, the news article provides excerpts from state authorities’ meetings and policymakers’ proposals on the problem. A counterargument may be as follows: the cancellation of the mandatory wearing of masks may be a consequence of population fatigue from prolonged restrictive measures during the pandemic, which is contrary to common sense.
I believe this source can support its arguments credibly because the discussion of the problem at the state level confirms the interest of policymakers in the transition to the old regime of social interaction. The news article unequivocally supports my argument by explaining that wearing a mask at all times is not a guarantee of safety and that vaccination is an objective measure to protect vulnerable populations. As a rebuttal to the aforementioned counterargument, I will analyze the principle of vaccination as a mechanism that makes wearing a mask meaningless. I will not draw a parallel with the fatigue of people due to the groundlessness and subjectivity of such a judgment.
References
Adjodah, D., Dinakar, K., Chinazzi, M., Fraiberger, S. P., Pentland, A., & Bates, S. (2021). Association between COVID-19 outcomes and mask mandates, adherence, and attitudes. PLOS ONE, 16(6), e0252315. Web.
Shriver, L. (2021). It’s time to face the truth about masks. The Spectator, 346(10056), 23.
West, M. G. (2021). Covid-19 mask mandates are again at center of political battles. The Wall Street Journal.