At Spectrum Health, we strongly encourage our patients, colleagues and families to wear masks, knowing that this is a key factor in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
When challenged by someone who disagrees with face mask requirements, think about using words that encourage learning and change, not those that might create conflict.
If you find yourself in a conversation about mask use, here are some strategies to help make these conversations productive and safe.
1. Approach with curiosity.
Don’t assume that someone is intentionally non-compliant. Sometimes people simply forget and are happy to be reminded. If that’s not the case, ask questions such as, “Can you help me understand?” or “Will you share your concerns with me?” This will help you gather more information.
2. Be mindful of your body language.
Are your arms crossed? Are you standing over someone, or too close? If someone without a mask is too close, politely ask them to provide additional space. Relax your arms at your sides and avoid pointing at someone while talking with them.
3. Speak in a calm and low tone.
Speaking in a quiet voice can help decrease tension and anger.
4. Use “I” statements.
Try saying things like, “I’m confused why you’re not wearing a mask,” or “I wonder if you forgot your mask.” Phrases such as “I feel uncomfortable” or “I worry about your safety” will be better received than, “You need to wear a mask” or “You are wrong,” which will likely put the person on the defensive.
5. Look for ways to educate.
If the person you’re speaking to says something like, “Masks are unsafe because I’m breathing in my own air,” or “I’m being deprived of oxygen,” dispel these myths with science-based information, ideally from people or publications they respect.
6. Promote empathy.
We are not just wearing masks for our own health, but for the health and safety of others. It may help if the person can identify someone they want to protect.
7. Know when to walk away.
If a conversation becomes heated, step away. Be mindful of your own safety, especially if the conversation is with someone you don’t know well.
8. Respond to emotion.
Labeling how someone might be feeling and asking if you are correct is a way to validate their emotions. For example, “It looks like you might be feeling angry, is that right?” If you’re correct, then you may ask how to help diffuse that emotion and have a conversation.
9. Look for solutions.
If someone is upset because the mandate prohibits them from entering a store or restaurant, help them identify other options. Can someone else shop for them? Can they come back later with a mask or accept a mask from an employee? Are they able to order online?
Good article. Also where can we find stats on the numbers of Covid patients in Spectrum within Kent County? I am curious since that may be an indicator as to how we are doing overall. I know at one time medical professionals were bracing for an overflow of patients. How many are on ventilators?
Thanks,
Dan
Hi Daniel, Thanks for your comment and for your question. Here’s a link to Spectrum Health’s dashboard, which shows the most recent statistics related to COVID-19 within our facilities: https://www.spectrumhealth.org/covid19. If you scroll down the page, you’ll find the most up-to-date numbers.
Every month I meet with a group that complain bitterly about Masks – they are unhappy about wearing them and refuse to wear them if they can get away with it. They view Covid-19 as a hoax and that it is made up. So they do not view Covid 19 as a risk. It is upsetting to be with this group that I have known for 50 years so I am thinking about taking a break from meeting with them. I have explained why I wear a mask and that I value other people lives without avail. Thank you for your article.
Thank you, Ann.
This is certainly a trying time for us all. Here are a few more articles that might also help you as you navigate these conversations:
https://healthbeat.corewellhealth.org/answers-to-your-covid-19-questions/
https://healthbeat.corewellhealth.org/a-port-in-the-storm-2020-covid-stress-anxiety-psych-tips/
https://healthbeat.corewellhealth.org/how-to-measure-risk-psychology-covid-mask-social-distancing-rules/
https://healthbeat.corewellhealth.org/a-mask-is-the-way-to-do-this-covid19-resurgence/
Hope these assist you. Best wishes for a healthy, and safe, rest of 2020.
Best,
Cheryl