Many shoppers aren’t wearing masks in Colorado Springs stores
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - We were curious how many people are actually wearing a cloth face mask, after Governor Jared Polis and the CDC recently made the suggestion to wear a mask anytime you leave your home and might be near other people.
KRDO crews posted up outside a local supermarket and survey the number of people wearing masks, versus the number of people who have decided against the protective gear.
KRDO crews sat outside the Target on N Academy for two hours on Thursday. They found that -- out of 284 people -- 113 (40%) wore masks, and 171 (60%) did not.
We asked the people who chose against wearing a cloth, or a mask, for their reasoning.
Joe Tolbert just moved to Colorado Springs from Missouri last week. He told us he's social distancing, and postponing visits to his elderly family members, but he isn't wearing a mask because he's not sick and he has a great immune system.
"I can't remember the last time I had the flu. I don't get the flu shot or anything, and I haven’t had any symptoms of any sort," Tolbert said.
When we reminded Tolbert that health professionals say 25 percent of people who contract COVID-19 don't show symptoms, he told us he's aware.
“Yes, I know that. And, from what I’ve heard, that’s kind of the scary thing. People can have it without showing symptoms, and give it to other people," he said.
Other customers we talked to told us they just don't have a mask at hand.
"I just haven't found one. I've been looking for one and it just hasn't been readily available," said David Urtado Hernandez.
We asked Hernandez if he looked for a mask while he was shopping in Target.
"Not specifically. But, no I didn’t find any," he responded.
We also asked if he's thought of using something else as a mask, like a cloth or an old T-shirt.
"Right. Right. Yeah, I don't want to go out of my way. If I could just find a bandana that would be cool," Hernandez said.
People we spoke to who were wearing a mask said they'd appreciate if more people followed the governor's request.
"I really wish people would wear their masks," said Tammy Thorbilson. "I have friends in Boulder, they say the streets in Boulder are vacant. Everywhere in Colorado Springs people are out. If they’re going to be so irresponsible then they should actually try to wear some type of face covering."
Others told us they think more people will catch on soon, but they're skeptical about whether everyone will.
"I think that it's just human error. It is a pipe dream unfortunately because we can’t control the people and their decisions," said Randy Garcia, who did in fact have a mask on his face.
