On Feb 26, when an Italian lawmaker went into the country's Lower Chamber with a mask to prevent the novel coronavirus (新冠病毒), he was questioned and criticized by others as they thought that wearing masks would cause unnecessary fear and panic. The articles from Western media carry headlines such as "No, you do not need face masks to prevent novel coronavirus." You might be surprised, as in China and other Asian countries, people have willingly put masks on during the outbreak.
In the West, people are taught to wear masks only when they get sick. They thought masks are seen as a tool to protect sick people and prevent the disease from spreading, so healthy people don't need to wear them. Therefore, during the novel coronavirus outbreak, overseas Chinese students said that they would be "looked at like a virus spreader" if they go out with a mask. According to a survey done by Global Times among some European and American people, wearing a mask in public can make them feel "worried" and "afraid of being looked at differently."
But as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to grow in the world, things start to change. In the US, for example, the need for masks is very high now. The US surgeon general has been asking people not to buy too many masks, as they are more needed in hospitals than the public.
In Japan, wearing masks has long been seen as a manner to comfort others when one catches a cold or flu. Some Japanese also turn masks into fashion, with different colors and patterns to match their clothes. Wearing masks is also a way to "hide" for young women when they don't have their makeup on.
In more cultures in Asia, wearing masks might also be a symbol of solidarity (团结) during the outbreak, according to Lynteris. People wear masks "to show that they want to stick together" in the face of danger.
