In the various shuls in which I have davened since the new wave of Corona in Israel, the majority of people have not been wearing masks. In some minyanim - nobody. I am not clear on the logic. If so much of the medical establishment says that it is safer - why wouldn't people want to be on the safe side? I have put on a seatbelt a million times and I have never needed it. Most people wear seatbelts. Why? To be on the safe side...
OK! Free country!! NOBODY is going to tell me to put a mask on my face. This is totalitarianism!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hear you!
This is my humble thought: When you are in shul [or any other public place] and there are people who wear masks, that means that they believe [right or wrong] that wearing a mask will prevent them from getting themselves and others sick. When they see others NOT wearing masks - it makes them uncomfortable/ uneasy/ nervous and/or scared. Right or wrong this is how they feel. I know that I feel that way and I am not alone.
So if you choose not to wear a mask - FREE COUNTRY!!! - keep in mind the feelings of others and then choose with that in mind.
PS - I have a special request from my readers. If anyone thinks that al pi mussar and derech eretz it is better NOT to wear a mask in a place where others are - please explain that to me. I really want to understand. Thanks.
