Face masks are a very effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but they are also an effective way to start controversy.

Half of teens in Connecticut are vaccinated against COVID-19. As of early October, there was a 2.93% positivity rate even with masks on, with 259 patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. About 47,000 teens ages 12-19 have tested positive for the virus. 

The virus is getting better by the second as we wear masks, even though there are split opinions on masks.

“It is frustrating to wear masks in school, but I know it’s for safety,” Nonnewaug special education teacher Renee Harris said.

This is the average opinion, but everyone is wondering when it will end. Many students are upset about wearing masks in school, and many students don’t even fully wear masks in classes or in hallways.

“The way of life people are used to is what is being affected by COVID the most,” Harris said, referring to the last time we had a normal way of life being two years ago.

COVID has mostly negative effects, but it has some positives, too — people value spending time with each other now more than ever, and pollution levels have gone down so much it is visible from space.