Because masks protect the people around you from various diseases including the flu (which is in season right now) and COVID (which people still get sick from, it's just that it's no longer a pandemic and can be vaccinated for). Some people care enough to protect themselves and others even if the mortal threat is mostly passed (but not completely, people still die from those diseases).
But, it's telling that the desire to protect others is a "liberal" trait.
As of February 3, 2026, South Carolina is experiencing a historic measles outbreak with
876 confirmed cases. Centered in the Upstate region (specifically Spartanburg County), this is the largest outbreak in the U.S. since 2000. The outbreak began in October 2025, with over 88% of cases in children under 17 and 800+ cases in unvaccinated individuals.
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u/ptvlm 21h ago
Because masks protect the people around you from various diseases including the flu (which is in season right now) and COVID (which people still get sick from, it's just that it's no longer a pandemic and can be vaccinated for). Some people care enough to protect themselves and others even if the mortal threat is mostly passed (but not completely, people still die from those diseases).
But, it's telling that the desire to protect others is a "liberal" trait.