Masking Up
Masking up
Whether someone has to wear a mask or not is one of the most divisive mandates that have accompanied the global pandemic. We were told early on that they were not effective, then we were told they were effective. As we learn about COVID, opinions change as more studies take place and more information comes out.
We do not see this as “politics” we see this as science catching up with new information and results which often change as more data is examined. Right now, the scientific and medical community are mainly in agreement that masks help prevent transmission of COVID and there are many businesses, airlines, cities and states that currently require masking when in public places. As of today (Monday, August 2nd) Louisiana is one of those states and as of last Friday (July 30th), the City of New Orleans is mandating masks.
Instead of being negative (yes, we have been dealing with many negative emails about the vaccination/negative testing mandate as well as the mask mandate) but you can choose not to be negative and simply wear a mask for both your safety and the health and safety of those around you.
This blog aims to inspire people (mainly Naughty attendees) to go ahead and mask up to help protect themselves, but more importantly, to help protect our community.
There are no Mask Police
First and foremost, there will not be any masking police at Naughty, or in New Orleans for that matter. We will not be making people put on masks and there will not be any police officers nor any city officials that will be forcing you to put on a mask.
The main time you will be asked to put on a mask is when you enter a bar, restaurant, or business because they will be worried that their business will lose their business license for not complying with local and state laws.
For the most part, your experience at Naughty is not going to look any different from other years. You are going to have fun, meet others and as long as you have a drink in your hand, you don’t have to wear a mask. I am guessing that many people will have a drink in their hands.
But don’t drink too much
While purchasing your drink means you will be purchasing a little bit of personal freedom, you can’t drink all day and night without passing out in the hallway. This is a photo of a guy, in the hallway, just outside my room a couple of days ago.
Don’t be this guy. Well at least the chicken was good, but the fries were cold.
Consider other mandatory mask mandates
When coming to Naughty N’awlins, many of you will be flying and spending time in an airport, on a plane, in a taxi or Uber and most of you will comply without any issues. But when you get to your final destination, that’s when people start complaining about having to mask up. Why not treat your entire stay just like you did when you had to mask up to get here?
No one likes wearing a mask, but we can get through this together. While we know it is inconvenient, harder to breathe, they make life hotter (and sweatier) and they hide those beautiful smiles. We get it, but it’s mandatory for everyone. We can’t fight it, so let’s just get together and do it for the entire community.
Masking can be fun (no seriously)
I mean, our biggest ball of the year is always our Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball on Saturday night. It is a time when people traditionally wear masks in order to hide their faces and create a fantasy of mystery.
Of course, the Mardi Gras masks we normally wear usually cover the top of our faces, and this year, they will also be covering our mouths (when not drinking or eating), but we can still have fun with it.
Here is Dr. Nan and her husband Dr. Mark who bought these cool light-up masks to wear at Hedo for a recent group trip.
We suggest decorating your masks or wearing whimsical masks that match your theme. Hustler Hollywood has some great masks with printed ball gags, zippers and my favorite, rhinestones.
Here are last year’s King & Queen heading to a party at Secrets Hideaway in Kissimmee, FL recently. A simple accessory can change the way a mask looks and feels. They had a lot of compliments and it is a great way to get people to talk to you and help you meet people.
Another great store, is Q T Pie (241 Dauphine St.), which is just two blocks from our hotel. They have an even larger selection of masks and they have an amazing collection of sexy costumes and accessories (especially shoes!). We also love the masks at No Rules (927 Royal St.) as well as their costumes and they have plenty of great options for 80’s Prom night.
Make masking part of your personality
There are so many cool (and even sexy) masks nowadays, you can get the perfect mask to show off your personality and as an icebreaker. There are masks for every sports team, Star Wars, masks with mustaches and big red lips, masks that are bedazzled with jewels and sequins, masks with lace and glitter.
Our King & Queen rocking some cool masks to show off their personalities.
Have fun, wear a unique mask that will encourage people to ask you about it. “Hey, where did you get that mask” is a great opening line for people looking to meet other people. Make this situation into something that can help you improve your experience instead of dwelling on the negativity.
Masking is sexy
There have been many articles recently that say that many people find masking sexy. Don’t believe me, here ya go:
https://lovelustorbust.com/why-wearing-a-mask-is-sexy/
https://www.gq.com/story/face-masks-hot
Masking is Required
Whether you like it or not, it is currently required in Louisiana and in New Orleans. It’s not our rules, but we have to abide by them or the city and state can shut us down. It’s a small price to pay for being able to see your friends and enjoy all of the great things you can still enjoy in New Orleans, like great restaurants, music, bars, culture, architecture and much more.
Masking shows others you care
Even if you don’t want to mask up for yourselves, it shows others that you care about them and their safety. Nothing is as sexy as showing others that you care about them.
The front lines have been doing it for 17 months
Nurses, Doctors, EMS, fire departments, and many more in the health care industry are all wearing masks, some for 12 hours a day. Do it for them.
If a nurse can wear a mask for 12 hours, we can mask up for a few minutes, while riding an elevator or being in a large group. At least you can take a break, get away from the crowds and give your face (and ears) a break. Nurses and doctors do not have that luxury.
The nurses and doctors I personally know are suffering from so many COVID cases. They are tired. They want it to stop. Only you can help it stop. You honor our front line workers every time you put on a mask.
Just Do It
Just remember that all masks are not created equal. N95 masks are some of the best masks you can buy. If you use a thin, see through mask, it won’t give you (or those around you) much protection, so use that decorative mask on top of another mask that was designed to protect you (and others).
Mask up for your own safety, or mask up to help protect your community. Either way, just do it.
What type of Mask is acceptable? Here is a flyer, from the City of New Orleans that shows exactly what they will consider as a mask:
