Mask up for Each Other

Ducks Share Their Reasons for Masking Up

By Nicole Krueger

Living in Eugene as a full-time student is a privilege Maddie Cooke doesn’t want to jeopardize.

“I know the importance of taking care of my community and those around me, so wearing a mask is a small but essential role I can play in order to protect others,” said the co-president of the University of Oregon’s International Student Association.

As the state continues to set new records for daily COVID-19 cases — and as Lane County braces for winter with a 12 percent community infection rate — members of the UO community are sharing their motives for wearing face coverings as part of the university’s I Wear a Mask 2.0 campaign. Developed to encourage safe habits during the ongoing pandemic, the campaign asks Ducks to reflect on why wearing a mask matters to them.

Isaac Slade-Matautia wearing a mask and throwing the O

A pregnant Abigail Erwin wearing a mask with a sign that says I wear a mask because I don't know how many people I might be protecting.

Many of the participants cited concern for friends, roommates and loved ones as their primary reason for masking up.

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“I wear a mask so that I can protect the people I love, but also everyone in my community whether I know them or not,” said Eliza Aronson, a student in the School of Journalism and Communication.

The campaign launches amid mounting evidence that wearing a mask helps prevent transmission of the virus. Recent data from Carnegie Mellon University shows that in states where mask usage is prevalent, fewer people report knowing someone who has COVID-19 symptoms. In Oregon, where more than 80 percent of people wear masks in public, just 17 percent know someone with symptoms.

Kylie Robinson wearing a mask and throwing the O

David Markowitz wearing a mask with a sign that says I wear a mask because scientists say we should. And science matters.

“I wear a mask to be a part of stopping the spread,” said Sabrina Madison-Cannon, Phyllis and Andrew Berwick Dean and Professor of Dance for the UO School of Music and Dance. “I wear a mask because I’m longing for things to return to normal.”

With a potential vaccine on the horizon, several participants expressed hope that their efforts to help curb the virus’s spread will pay off in the future.

“I wear a mask because it’s one of the best things we can do to make the world a more comfortable place to live in again,” said multimedia journalism student Sarah Miller.

Cyrus Habibi-Likio wearing a mask and throwing the O

Emily Henkelman wearing a mask with a sign that says I wear a mask because I miss my students and want it to be saf for veryone to come back to campus!

Zoe Williams throwing her O while wearing a mask

Why I Wear a Mask

Sabrina Madison-Cannon

“I wear a mask to keep people safe. I wear a mask to be a part of stopping the spread. I wear a mask because I'm longing for things to return to normal.”

Tom Gueant

“Wearing a mask is important because it gives you and others around you confidence that everyone is doing their part to keep people safe.”

Eliza Aronson

“I wear a mask so that I can protect the people I love, but also everyone in my community whether I know them or not.”

Max Vollmer

“We are practicing every day to get ready for track season. It's important to wear a mask; otherwise there may not be a season.”

Rosa Chavez

“I wear a mask porque me cuido para cuidarlos.”

Hunter Reed

“I wear a mask because during these times it’s crucial that we listen to top scientists on the subject, and follow the appropriate response that will lead to public safety and protection of those at the greatest risk.”