Almost everyone in China now wears a mask to prevent Novel coronavirus pneumonia (新型冠状病毒肺炎), but many people in Western countries don't seem to want to do the same. But why do the East and West have different ideas about wearing masks?
In the West, people should wear masks only when they get sick. People see masks as a tool to protect sick people, so healthy people don't need to wear them. Some European and American people say wearing a mask outdoors makes them feel "worried", "shy", and "afraid of being looked at differently."
In Japan, wearing masks is common. In Japan, wearing masks shows your politeness when you get a cold. Some Japanese also turn masks into fashion accessories(配饰). They have different colors to choose to match their clothes.
The situation in China is getting better. But self-protection is still very important. Here are some tips for you.
◆ Wear a mask if you are in a crowded place, such as a shopping center, a restaurant, a bus or a subway.
◆ Wash hands before wearing and after taking off the mask. And wash your hands with running water or soap for more than 20 seconds.
◆ Have meals separately.
◆ Don't shake hands. Greet people by elbow touching.
