Submitted: Please Just Wear A Mask

Dear New Jerseyans,

I am very concerned about what I have been witnessing in stores and establishments in New Jersey.

We know that Covid-19 isn’t gone and that there are still new cases popping up, albeit far fewer than during the height of the pandemic in the tristate area. Yet even with new cases and the real possibility of the virus getting out of control again, only a minority of people are wearing masks when going to stores.

While I am a Lakewood resident, this problem isn’t isolated solely to this township; I have seen this in numerous areas across New Jersey. In fact, it was one of the things Governor Murphy cited when announcing that restaurants wouldn’t be allowed to reopen for indoor dining on Thursday, saying that people refusing to wear masks could lead to another serious outbreak.

There are many people working in groceries and other stores who have, or have family members who have, underlying conditions. While getting Covid-19 is no worse than coming down with the flu for the vast majority of people, with some exceptions, those with underlying conditions have a lot to worry about. And we need to keep them in mind and take them into account while shopping by wearing a mask when in other people’s stores. It’s only right.

Now, I’ve seen far too many people argue that wearing a mask is silly, pointless, and makes you a “sheep.” It’s not. The benefits of wearing a mask are not theoretical; it’s proven science that it significantly reduces the transmission of viral particles, including Covid-19. Wearing one protects others from a virus that you might be releasing into the air without knowing it, which could potentially negatively harm others. So be a mentsch and wear one.

Of course, there are others making noise, saying that wearing a mask will cause you to inhale higher levels of Co2 which can be detrimental to your health. Well, if surgeons can wear masks for hours and hours on end without having negative health effects, you can wear one for 20 minutes while shopping. Stop being a baby.

I am all for lifting restrictions and getting people’s lives back to normal as much as possible. The lockdown affected me and my family too, I want it over as well. But it has to be done with achrayus. If you can’t be a responsible adult, stay home.

This content, and any other content on TLS, may not be republished or reproduced without prior permission from TLS. Copying or reproducing our content is both against the law and against Halacha. To inquire about using our content, including videos or photos, email us at [email protected].

Stay up to date with our news alerts by following us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

**Click here to join over 20,000 receiving our Whatsapp Status updates!**

**Click here to join the official TLS WhatsApp Community!**

Got a news tip? Email us at [email protected], Text 415-857-2667, or WhatsApp 609-661-8668.

80 COMMENTS

  1. Well said! I agree 100%, but be prepared for some really nasty comments. The people who are in denial about precautions can get really emotional and mean about this issue. It’s because people get defensive when they’re unsure of themselves.

  2. Very well said. Thank you!
    The only way to keep reopening is to wear masks. If the numbers go up C”V then everything will have to shut down again. Unfortunately this week hasn’t been as good as last week, as several cases are creeping up around town, mainly due to Florida related exposures.
    So…Think ahead – Cover your head.

  3. very well said but a little bit contradictory how do you wear a mask when you’re in a restaurant please explain muscle did you ever hear of the expression you can bring the horse to the water but you can’t force it to drink the same thing here can’t force people to wear masks for some occasions and not for other either it’s all or none can’t pick and choose

  4. I wear a mask for 12 hours straight and I got used to it, just like everyone can. My hospital has a very low rate of antibodies among nurses who cared for positive patients.. meaning that masks work!

  5. couldnt agree more. can’t we provide safe public areas for those who are vulnerable? i was in an eye doctors office/eye-wear store in lakewood for an exam this week. the sign on the door clearly said masks are required. compliance was about 90%. why was that couple maskless?! it really bothered me. Did they just decide they know better? are they just plain selfish? Don’t have to follow rules b/c they are meant for everyone but themselves? Then in the pharmacy motzei shabbos – again most people were compliant. but there was one man who was not. i wonder if someone commented because he suddenly pulled the belt off his bekeshe and proceeded to wrap around his face. it covered about half his lips. what a joke!

  6. For the vast majority of young people, it is indeed no more dangerous than the flu. For those who are at risk or have family members at risk, please be careful and wear a mask. It will protect you (turns out they were wrong when they said it is only to protect others…). For everyone else, there is no reason to live life like the government and one-dimensional epidemiologists want you to live your life.
    I don’t understand why I have to wear a mask, if the reason is so I don’t infect a careless person who is at high risk, if he himself can just wear a mask. Is it because the high riskers aren’t being careful that I need to wear a mask, to protect them from themselves?

    • It’s because you can infect another person who may not get sick but passes it along to someone else who will get very sick. Stop being so selfish. It’s not always about YOU.

      • Community member totally missed the point. Those who are high risk should protect themselves and let everybody else live in peace

        • Not everybody knows they are high risk. I’m sure you know of a few seemingly healthy people who had to go to the hospital and almost passed away or did pass away

        • Not everyone knows they are high risk. I’m sure everyone reading this probably knows of a few people that went to the hospital who didn’t think they were high risk and then got covid and ended up in the hospital.

    • masks are good at preventing your stuff from going to others.
      it is not good protection against inhaling other people’s stuff.
      That’s what the doctors say.
      Doesn’t make sense to you?
      Ask them to explain!

    • ok, so now the flu is not a dangerous disease???? What about the mandatory flu shots for everyone??? I guess that you only need shots when it fits your agenda, and is not actually based on science.

  7. Couldn’t agree more. I’m all for opening everything up but those who think it wont ever come back to Lakewood are living in la la land. They have neither science nor daas torah to rely on.
    Even though I tested positive for both Covid and antibodies, I still wear a mask. If half the population decides they don’t need to wear masks, the other half won’t wear it.

  8. My doctor told me the masks most of us where do NOT filter out the CO2. In the hospitals doctors can wear masks for long periods because they are wearing mostly FILTERED masks. They are not the dumb cloth ones we are all wearing. My aunt tripped on a step because she didnt see it due to her perception being distorted from the mask. Please don’t tell me they’re safe! You’re solving one problem and causing another!

    • Even assuming the antibody tests are accurate, which so you should know every single clinic in Lakewood says they aren’t, doesn’t mean that you can’t spread it. Even if you get the flu shot you can also still spread it.

  9. I suggest you do your REAL research not liberal research.
    I can give you a whole factual rant.
    But I’ll end it here. Please do real research

  10. I agree 100% I walked into a clothing store today. its says masks mandatory but the sales people themselves were not wearing masks and at least 75% of the shoppers were not either. I did not feel safe shopping there and i walked right out. I have a minor underlying issue and it is extremely unfair that people are being selfish they are creating an unsafe environment for others. Wake up! educate yourselves the virus is still around is spreading all over the world and NO it is not exactly like the flu. We have no idea of the long term affects from even mild cases. Lets listen to our doctors and stop ignoring reality because reality always wins..

    • The world doesn’t have to bow down to you because you have some issue. You are the selfish one to think that everyone has to inconvenience themselves for you. If you dont feel safe shopping, find a solution! Ask someone else to go, or ask the store owner to set a special time for high risk people

  11. Right on! Especially as cases spike around the country and people quite possibly carrying the virus from hot spots come to visit Lakewood. May I add that wearing one’s mask below one’s nose is a very nice way to show off one’s beautiful Jewish nose, however, it’s cutting the effectiveness of the mask at least in half.

  12. Masks are uncomfortable and not warranted at this point. Murphy is living in an alternate reality. The risk of a massive wave of virus in Lakewood is negligible to none at this point. The few who feel they are vulnerable should take precautions at this point but it’s absurd to have 100,000 people wearing masks at this stage….

  13. Please wear a mask. It’s a huge chilul Hashem! The lady in the dollar store the other day did not stop telling people to wear a mask, all Frum people! If it’s the rule For that store, it’s the rule, and if you don’t want to wear a mask don’t go in there. But please don’t make us look like we are above the rules by trying to get away with it.

    • ttly agree you should wear a mask not to cause chillul Hashem i heard countless times goyim saying that jews dont care… please if you dont want to wear a mask at least put on in non jewish stores and if its so terrible shop online or over the phone!!!

  14. A big rosh yeshiva saw someone wearing a mask and he said you remind me of a famous story: In the 1950s someone was going through the woods and he saw someone hiding in a bunker. the person saw him and got all scared, “they” were coming. They told him helooo its over for a while The nimshal is we had zero cases in this city, and the chance of you giving it to someone else in lakewood especially if you know you had it, or do not have symptoms are.000001 soif someone is afraid he should wear a mask but chances are there is not a speck of covid19 in the whole square block around you. Vhameivin yovin… when will we stop, should we forever wear a mask, till 2025, or tilll 2050?????

    • “big rosh yeshiva” is an idiot
      too bad its worse when stupid people in power convince others to do the wrong thing. the retzicha is on their bloody hands. give us a name of this gaon and ill call him.

  15. @yottle- Mainly fecal transmission?? You must be losing your marbles. It’s airborne. From respiratory droplets.
    @its a free country- the country can force you to do things for the greater good even if you don’t like it- like getting a permit for a gun, or a license to drive, or a ticket for not having auto insurance (that will cover someone else in case of collision, not you). If you don’t like it and you don’t comply, you are a lawbreaker.
    @fed up- the mask protects a vulnerable person somewhat, from some droplets and particles. It protects them even more when you are wearing a mask as well as them (=two layers!). People who are high risk and don’t want to die because of your selfishness may still have to go out to buy groceries, or see their family, or any other reason. This has nothing to do with the government.

  16. The masks do not fit tight enough. Even if they did they cannot block the size of a Covid-19 molecule. Not only do they deplete your oxygen level but they act like a chain-link fence to protect from mosquitoes. Look it up. Cough and sneeze into some tissues. They’re lighter, easier to carry, and work well.

  17. I had the virus and have high antibodies plus I was tested for the virus and am negative. I was told I can’t give it or get it bc of the high antibodies and negative covid tests. On top of that I was cleared by a Doctor that I was allowed to be around my compromised immune father without social distancing and a mask. I’m the only one in my family that can go near my parents that are over 65. If a store is makpid I wear a mask but if they aren’t I don’t bc the doctor told me I can’t spread the virus or get it.

    • Still, be an example for others. The more people who wear masks in public the more it becomes the norm, and the safer it is for everyone. That’s besides the Chilul Hashem.

      Ever heard of Achan who was a Yachid – Hashem says Ki Chata Yisrael. Ayin Rav Dessler we’re all responsible for each other’s beahvior.

  18. עיין בביאור הלכה ס’ תקנ”ד ד”ה דבמקום חולי
    שלא ילך מפתח ביתו כל היום ולהכריחו כשיצא ישא סביב לחוטמו ופיו וכ”ו

    Whomever feels they know better than the Poskim on this matter, is stam a bal machlokes!

    • I assume AMM doesn’t leave his house as per his quoted Biur Halacha…..

      The quote is “B’makom Choli”

      Lakewood is not a Makom Choli. No masks needed

      And if you

  19. I was the only frum person in a mask yesterday in the post office, sad and embarrassing.

    It’s not about logical health explanations it’s about CHILUL HASHEM. Religious Jews have an opportunity to show we are law abiding and kind.

    There may be no fine or fees for not wearing a mask there but surely For chillul Hashem you will be fined Up in heaven.

    • Chilul Hashem isn’t determined by what every Tom Dick and Harry think about us. Esav Soneh Es Yaakov, they just need an excuse. Today it no-mask, tomorrow they’ll find someone else to have Sinah on us

      • wrong!!! thats if we are just being normal and they still hate us but not following the law is the number one caus eof chilul Hashem that is tottaly our fault

  20. Yottle- where do you get your information from?!?!
    But there are plenty of high risk people not wearing masks. I went into a grocery store and made sure to wear a mask. There were many people in the high risk age bracket not wearing masks. I was shocked.

  21. as it’s a LAW in New Jersey to wear masks inside stores, I believe shop owners should not allow non-mask wearers into the store. Of course, the owners and staff need to wear masks, too. EVERY goyish store requires shoppers to wear masks. Try entering without one.

  22. Can someone please explain how a mask helps? An n95 is somewhat effective against viruses but regular masks and certainly random pieces of cloth do not help. It helps against spittle which is what they are meant for. If it makes you feel better then wear it but don’t convince yourself that everyone needs to wear it.

  23. The letter writer makes some good points but, I gotta tell you, as soon as you quoted Gov Murphy I’m, like: I’m out.

  24. Why dont I wear a mask

    I have a relative that is an infectious disease researcher. I believe that someone with antibodies cant get it from what I understand . However, we can still chas v shalom carry it. I would be careful around your parents. I dont go near mine. Also you dont know the day your antibodies will run out. Please protect your parents and wear a mask around them or social distance. What docotor told you this? No doctor that I spoke to says I can freely go near my parents. You are dillusional I hate to say.

  25. I don’t feel at this point or maybe at any point masks did anything, but, I keep one with me when I am in public and only wear it when it is mandatory. I don’t get upset if I see someone not wearing one. If I thought it was dangerous for me to go unmasked I would wear one to protect myself or I would not go near unmasked people, but, I would not vilify them. To each his own, I say.

    • epitome of foolishness.
      You cannot say “to each their own” when ones own can harm you.
      If you want to debate the facts is one thing (though wrong), its a hole nother thing to say “to each their own”.

      Thats like a guy lighting a huge fire in his backyard, adjacent to yours, and saying “to each their own”.

  26. Perspective of the non maskers,
    The reason there is no COVID in Lakewood has nothing to do with social distances.
    It’s because of herd immunity
    So even though there are cases all over the country it cannot come back here.
    So I won’t wear an uncomfortable mask to make you feel good, sorry

  27. I run a business in Lakewood and while this is a problem throughout NJ and other states we like so many other businesses just ask 1 simple thing to keep everyone safe, wear a mask. While maybe you’re immune it doesn’t mean the next person is or the workers are etc. I have to say put on you’re mask 15-20 times in a 8 hour shift. I’ve heard every excuse possible from were all immune now and its over to straight up arguments. A minimum of 25% of people don’t even have one to the point we need to start giving them out. If we can work with a mask on in 90 degree weather why is it so hard for a customer to sit in A/C for 20 mins or so with a mask on to keep everyone safe. Politics, believes, rumor, controversy taken out why cant we protect the elderly or the others at risk. Yes most people will get flu like but, why do we need to risk even 1 person dying because were to lazy to put on a mask?? Is it that much of a sacrifice to put on a mask around others? People drink, smoke, speed, etc but the mask is soooo unhealthy for a few minutes, please lets stick together and care for each other and keep you’re beliefs to yourself…Thank you!

  28. Did anyone think about providing any “REAL” data that supports the Democrats narrative that masks stop the spread of the virus?
    When can people start using some common sense and think beyond what Democrats and doctors unproven opinions say.

    One fact is definitely true. The purpose of the lockdowns and preventive measures kept changing as we went along, which should be “VERY” telling of how much the so called “EXPERTS” know.

    Also, to say that it’s only from hidden that are not wearing masks is just flat out wrong. In fact I was just in the Dollar Tree and the clerk had to remind a non-jew to wear a mask. In fact a lot of other non-jewish stores had people with masks on their chin and not covering their mouth or not covering their nose. So stop being embarrassed of your own self perceived notions.

  29. To the one’s saying yay or nay to fecal matter as the primary source of spreading the infection:
    You are both correct. A study at Lancelot University found in a study of approximately 135 cases that WET fecal matter if not properly contained has a 86 percent chance of causing the infection. So, please be careful and wear a mask.

  30. Thank you for this important letter..I have wanted to write my own for a long time, and I appreciate your taking the time to put this out. YB, I agree with your points completely- I hope that the 10% who are maskless for any reason will take this critical point into account.

  31. Interesting that most people here advocate wearing a mask, even though 75% of people are not wearing in public. I guess everyone else moved on with their lives, but those still in seclusion have a lot more time to spend commenting on the scoop.
    Masks make me to feel like I’m about to have an asthama attack. Though I put in on for non-jewish stores, for about an hour after I take it off I still feel like my lungs are not fully working. I refuse to deny myself the pleasure of breathing oxygen for something that is probably useless. Lakewood has been not social distancing, many stopped wearing a mask in public over a month ago. Besides the Florida cases, there have been no new cases in Lakewood . Have rachmanus on the children and adults in 90 degree weather and allow them the gift of breathing.

    • You can disagree respectfully, Miriam. There is no reason to denigrate the people who think masks are important. I’m sorry the mask makes you feel uncomfortable. As they say, “If you don’t like the mask you’re gonna hate the ventilator.”

  32. Lakewood has been unmasked and not socially distant for over a month now. If we are going to quote studies and medical professionals and believe everything they say, why has Lakewood not had a huge resurgence if there’s a 14 day incubation period? Hashem runs the world and can make COVID19 a relatively harmless virus the same way He made it severe at the beginning of this pandemic. Perhaps we have done teshuva on whatever was causing all the serious illness and COVID19 has either gone away or become weak like the common cold strains of coronavirus.

    May we merit to greet Mashiach very soon, masked and unmasked together!

  33. Before we speculate on whether or not there are positive cases in lakewood why don’t we carry out broad testing. We would do quarantining and tracing like they do in eretz yisroel.

  34. EVERYBODY STOP! HOLD THE PRESSES! Shabbos is coming… Ahh… The smell of cholent wafting through the air… The aroma of the kugel competing with said cholent… Gevaldig!
    Happy Shabbos and Freilechen July 4th!

  35. Masks have absolutely not been proven to stop the spread of COVID… they don’t even have conclusive evidence of asymptomatic spread.

    Masks have been proven to NOT STOP the spread of flu… so, why are we not starting with that science? There’s no verified science behind wearing a mask to do anything other than cover your face when you cough/sneeze-other than you’re exponentially more likely to touch your face with a mask on.

    Prove me wrong, cite research & not just what we’ve been told.
    I’m happy to be wrong.

    • There’s a reason you’re still an intern. Plus I’m assuming that you didn’t get the memo from corporate that you can identify RWJ Barnabas as your employer on social media or online comments. Passing on to Marty Everhard-CHRO @ RWJ.

  36. To Sara
    My parents geriatrician told me I don’t have to wear a mask around my parents or social distance around them, due to the fact I have high antibodies and tested via nose swab negatively twice. Please don’t talk down to me be mentchlach. To everyone that responded to me and to others you might have a difference of opinion but remember sinas Chinam and responding to ppl in a. On respectful way is also an aveirah. Btw as I said when I go into goyish stores I wear a mask and in frum stores if they are makpid I wear a mask. As I also said I was told by my doctor I can’t spread it or get it. I have a hard time breathing with the mask. My parents geriatrician has looks them that they can now start letting cleaning ppl in their houses as long as they wear mask and social distance. My mother hasn’t had cleaning help since March. The doctors obviously feel the risk is less if they are starting to loosen restrictions. Kids are back in school and camp without masks and social distancing. I saw in the beginning of the pandemic and throughout it elderly goyim in stores. Yes they wore masks and social distances but they put Themselves at great risk. Yes for chilly HaShem sake in goyish stores wear masks but in from stores if they are not makpid that you wear a mask then if you want to go ahead but don’t put down or get upset and bad mouth someone who chooses not to. You don’t know what their doctor told them or why they are not wearing a mask. Be dan lekaf zechus as in any other situation. Please let’s all remember we are Klal Yisroel and let’s not talk bad about others and speak (or type) disrespectfully to others. You may have an opinion but say it nicely without attacking the other person. Remember chillul HaShem is also in the way you speak to others. May we speak to each other with derech eretz and may we be zoche to great moshiach soon and end this mageyfah and all tzoras.

  37. I will not shop at a store that requires a mask. I can find another store or shop online but I refuse to patronize a place that forces me to feel uncomfortable whether it’s a mask or anything else

  38. While some may be on the other side of the virus (ie, they had it and recovered, or have antibodies) many have not. Wearing masks is the current standard of preventative measure when indoors in public as repeated by medical professionals over and over.
    Similarly to when we request someone to daven for us as we offer to daven for them, me wearing a mask protects you and you wearing a mask protects me. It is a selfless act in it of itself, and together we help each other.

    This is a simple act of hishtadlus than can stem the spread of the virus that has been brought back to Lakewood via travelers to other states.

    You do not have to wear it for hours on end. Just for the time spent indoors in public.

    Thank you in advance.

  39. For anyone who is saying its selfish to make you wear a mask. It’s not right what happened to helping other people out. All the time we try to do things to help others out what is diff here. Is it so bad to wear a mask while ur in a store its the law after all. You would never drive thru a red light what is diff. Wearing a mask protected others it’s a fact. And some older people are sick of others shopping for them think if 3 months someone messing up ur grocery list. We should all take precautions for others. And yes there are new cases just because bourch hashem there where not serious cases that needed hatzalah does not mean there are no cases and now wedding people are coming from all over. It worth being careful. This is what govemrnet and rabbim want.

Comments are closed.