EssaySnark

  • about
  • contact
  • help
  • sign up
  • login
CLICK FOR MORE!
  • Essay Questions
    • Harvard
    • Stanford
    • Wharton
    • Chicago Booth
    • Kellogg
    • MIT Sloan
    • Tuck
    • NYU Stern
    • Columbia
    • Yale SOM
    • Berkeley Haas
    • UVA Darden
    • Duke Fuqua
    • Michigan Ross
    • UCLA Anderson
    • Cornell
  • Strategy Guides
    • MBA Interviewing Guide
    • Getting Off the Waitlist
    • Applying in Round 3 mini-guide
    • Applying to European Business Schools
    • School-Specific MBA Application Guides
      • Columbia 2020 MBA Strategy Guide
      • Harvard 2020 MBA Strategy Guide
      • Kellogg 2020 MBA Strategy Guide
      • MIT Sloan 2020 MBA Strategy Guide
      • Chicago Booth 2020 MBA Strategy Guide
      • *MORE SCHOOL-SPECIFIC GUIDES HERE*
  • MBA Consulting
    • Free essay reviews
    • What stage are you in?
    • Military MBA
    • BIPOC Program
    • Testimonials & Reviews
    • Guest Posts
  • My SnarkCenter
    • My Strategy Guides
    • My Favorite Posts
    • Discounts & Offers

Not sick? Wear a mask.

March 30, 2020 by EssaySnark 3 Comments

UPDATE 4/6/20: When this was first published a week ago, a) nobody was wearing masks, and b) the US government was advising that nobody should wear masks. Things change quickly these days. EssaySnark vows to continue doing what we can to provide actionable, current information on this situation when you need it, to help you stay ahead of this crisis and make plans. Now? Everyone is hopefully wearing masks — not because EssaySnark told them to, but our point is that we’re working diligently to keep you informed in a rational way based on science and facts, and are trying to be on top of all aspects so that you can make better decisions on how to live your life in this difficult time.

 

—

 

The American public has gotten bum information. We should be wearing masks.

Not the medical-grade masks that doctors, nurses, and first responders need. Not the N95s. Just fabric masks.

Heck, wearing a bandana would be good enough.

The social distancing with everyone working from home is a critical step, and if you have any doubts about whether you should be staying home or not, err on the side of staying home. The main reason you should consider leaving the house is if you work in healthcare or a similar truly essential sector. Honestly, everyone staying home and respecting the shelter-in-place orders is the way for each of us to contribute our part at this stage of the crisis.

You will inevitably need to emerge from your cave at some point, in order to replenish the stash of Twinkies and Doritoes and White Claws, and when you do: WEAR A MASK.

You can easily make your own mask out of an old t-shirt. Cut it up, fold it in half so it’s a double layer of protection, and tie it over your nose and mouth. You can toss it in the trash when you get home again, or put it in the laundry and wash it in hot.

Wear gloves, too, and throw those away immediately, and then wash your hands right away. Be extra careful at the gas pump, right?

This mask thing… It’s not something being done here in the States yet, and it’s a real missed opportunity to get ahead of this thing. People don’t wear masks because a) initially we were told that we only needed to wear them if we were sick, to prevent spreading to others, and b) we think they look silly.

The (a) reason was because of the shortage of masks, and the public health officials decided that one way to make sure that the public didn’t hoard medical-grade masks was to officially tell people that masks are not needed.

But guess what?

If you are not infected and you wear a mask, it reduces your risk of contracting it. Yes, EssaySnark is well aware that the virus is super tiny, and that the weave in the cotton blend of that old t-shirt that we’re telling you to put on your face is big enough for a virus to pass through. But it will still prevent droplets from an infected person’s cough from landing on you and getting inhaled. The mask is a good idea. Honest and for real.

The thing is: If you’re the only one wearing a mask, you’re likely to feel self-conscious and stupid. That’s why all of us need to start wearing masks. If we normalize it as a society, then wearing a mask will become the polite thing, that all the civilized people do. That’s how it is in many parts of China now. If you’re not wearing a mask in certain social circles, you’re chastised and seen as careless or rude. It’s an etiquette thing.

That needs to be how it is here in the U.S. But it won’t happen over time, because we think masks look weird.

At least, most of us do today. But would you rather look weird, or catch coronavirus?

So our PSA for today is: PLEASE WEAR A MASK.

Source: Scientists and public health experts .

If you’re feeling crafty: How to make a face mask

Fancier version

 
 
 

Who’s with us? Who’s willing to look silly in the name of getting all of us through this faster?
 
 
 

EDIT: Be sure to check out the clarification offered from a smart commenter on the difference between “masks” and “respirators” which is apparently what the N95 things technically are — and a day later from when this was published, we’re now seeing some media outlets calling for us to simply use “face coverings” which looks like an attempt to differentiate them from the PPE that medical professionals only should be using. Basically what all of this means is, you don’t need anything fancy! Fabric face coverings are fine!

 
 
 

Filed Under: coronavirus, leadership

« Previous: ($) Coronavirus and the MBA: What if you’re graduating this Spring?
Next: ($) The MBA admissions essay question that every business school should ask for the Class of 2023 »

So who the heck is EssaySnark, anyway?!

We're the snarky experts in MBA admissions!

Sometimes amused and often appalled by what candidates write in their MBA applications to top bschools, EssaySnark created this little blahg to share common mistakes. Learn from them and avoid making admissions directors laugh (or want to hurl) when they read your essays. If you are hoping to have your essay reviewed anonymously on the blahg for free, submit it for consideration.

Want EssaySnark's personal assistance with your MBA applications? Start with our menu of consulting services and please read the Help FAQ to learn how we operate. Still have questions after doing all that? Email Team EssaySnark at gethelpnow at essaysnark dot com.

Good luck on your apps, Brave Supplicant!

Here's what others have said about this:

  1. buffalo says

    March 31, 2020 at 5:38 pm

    This wasn’t a nuance I was aware of before the crisis, but equipment like N95s are technically “respirators”, yet most people refer to them as masks.

    Respirators differ from masks in that they either 1) filter particles from existing air or 2) provide air from a secondary source (like from a tank). Masks, on the other hand, are essentially just barriers (made from fabrics) without enhanced filtration capabilities.

    Basically, masks prevent you from infecting others, whereas respirators prevent others from infecting you. Though, either is better than none.

    I agree that people should wear masks while shopping for groceries etc. to reduce the spread, and respirators should be reserved for medical professionals working in hot zones.

    Reply
    • essaysnark says

      March 31, 2020 at 5:52 pm

      @buffalo – great to hear from you, and thanks! Had not been aware of those different definitions, and that distinction makes total sense. We’ve added a note to the bottom of the post. Appreciate that you’ve offered this clarification!! Hoping you’re staying safe in all of this.

      /es

      Reply
      • buffalo says

        March 31, 2020 at 6:34 pm

        No problem – everyone is trying to process a lot of new info these days! I hope you’re staying safe and doing well too.

        Reply

Tell us what you think. Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign up for the 'Snark via email

Enter your address to get weekday blahg posts by email.

UPCOMING MBA APP DEADLINES

  • INSEAD Jan '22 Intake Rd 2
    in 1 month, 2 weeks, 1 day, 0 hours
  • (expected) HBS Class of 2024 app requirements released
    in 1 month, 4 weeks, 1 day, 1 hour
  • (expected) Columbia J-Term/ED app to open
    in 2 months, 3 weeks, 6 days, 1 hour
  • INSEAD Jan '22 Intake Rd 3
    in 3 months, 1 week, 3 days, 0 hours
   
From a BSer January 2020:
"love the guide books!"


CLASS OF 2023 MBA APPLICATION STRATEGY GUIDES

     
    The 2020 Berkeley-Haas MBA Application Guide - updated for the Class of 2023 application!
SnarkStrategies Guide for Berkeley Haas - refreshed and updated, with brainstorming exercises and structured maps to help you focus your stories!
   
    The 2020-2021 NYU Stern MBA Application Guide that covers the main essay, the EQ Endorsement and Pick Six!
SnarkStrategies Guide for NYU - discusses your requirements for the Class of 2023 essays!
   
    The 2020-2021 Columbia MBA Application Guide
SnarkStrategies Guide for Columbia Business School for 2020-2021 applications
   
    The 2020 Harvard MBA Application Guide - completely overhauled and updated for the coronavirus era!
SnarkStrategies Guide for Harvard Business School!
   
    The 2020-2021 Duke Essay Guide - covers the 25 Random Things essay and all the rest too!
SnarkStrategies Guide for Duke Fuqua - up to date for the current season!
   
    The 2020-2021 MIT Essay Guide covers the org chart, the contacts for two references, and additional tips for the cover letter and 'introduce yourself' video -- and everything else you need to know!
SnarkStrategies Guide for MIT Sloan MBA - totally revised for the Class of 2023!
   
    The 2020-2021 Tuck Essay Guide has been refreshed with latest insights and advice for your essays about "investing generously" and "why Tuck"!
SnarkStrategies Guide for the Dartmouth Tuck MBA - completely overhauled for 2020, to help you demonstrate how you are nice, aware, etc stuff!
   
    The Yale SOM MBA Application Guide for Class of 2023 candidates!
SnarkStrategies Guide for Yale SOM - updated for 2020-2021
   
    The 2020-2021 Chicago Booth MBA Application Guide - ready to go to support your Class of 2023 essay strategy!
SnarkStrategies Guide for Chicago Booth for this year's MBA app!
   
    The 2020 Wharton MBA Application Guide - even more advice on how to get to a win with those essays!
SnarkStrategies Guide for The Wharton School - with new tips for 2020!
   
    The 2020 Kellogg Essay Guide - with a full methodology to identify your 'lasting impact' and your 'values' -- plus tips on 2020 world events and applicability to your essays!
SnarkStrategies Guide for Kellogg MBA - updated and revised for the new realities of 2020!    
      The 2020 Stanford MBA Application Guide - for "what matters most" in your MBA application!
SnarkStrategies Guide for Stanford GSB for the Class of 2023
   
    The 2020-2021 UCLA Anderson MBA Application Guide - updated for Class of 2023 on "impact"!
SnarkStrategies Guide for 
UCLA
   
   

Brave Supplicants' latest reviews on The 'Snark


Feb 11, 2021
by hopeful on MBA Interview Prep: Custom Practice Questions
Helpful

Just wanted to say thank you for these questions! A lot of them were really tailored to my profile, ... Read more

Apr 10, 2020
by George on EssaySnark
Great Starting Point

I thought getting over the GRE/GMAT hurdle was fairly straightforward--disciplined study then test execution... Read more

Apr 10, 2020
by George on Single Shot Express MBA Essay Review
Worth Every Penny

I used the Single Shot Express to decimate essay #1 at my first-choice school. Paired with the school... Read more






Not sure where to begin with EssaySnark?
Our Snark Selector
will tell you!



What were we snarking about at this time in past years?

  • 2020: "What should I do with my summer?"
  • 2019: ($) Got a glitch with your grades? TAKE ACTION NOW!
  • 2018: Should you care who the dean is?
  • 2018: Does it matter who the dean is? 2018 edition
  • 2017: Prediction: Which schools will change their essay questions for Class of 2020?
  • 2016: Another little quiz
  • 2016: ($) When your safety school is actually a stretch school.
  • 2015: ($) Deciding on a school: Does location matter?
  • 2013: Success Story! "It's complicated..."
  • 2012: "School X, or School Y with $$$?" (Part who knows)
My Tweets

See the Top U.S. Business Schools on a Map!


EssaySnark is currently available! We're accepting new clients! Standard turnarounds apply. If you're in a hurry, Speedy Review is available!

EssaySnark® is a registered trademark. All content copyright © 2010–2021 Snarkolicious Press · Privacy Policy

Where should you start with EssaySnark?

Which EssaySnark service is right for you? Answer a few questions to find out!

This field must be set to Everyone - then in the Settings -> HTML -> After Fields screen there's JavaScript to hide it.
Sending