To mask or not to mask

[Radishguy]

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For those of you doing/have done in-person interviews where masks were optional, what did you/do you plan to do? If you don’t wear a mask, are you that heartless jerk who cares about no one but yourself? If you wear one, are you that germophobe who will never be able to handle a clinical environment?

 

[voxveritatisetlucis]

Hmmm I would probably wear one and then if none of the faculty are wearing one, take it off.

Literally, almost nobody at my school wears masks anymore and my school is in a pretty progressive state/city. But for an interview, play it safe

 

[GoSpursGo]

Honestly just do whatever you want, plenty of people are wearing masks and plenty aren't. I routinely am attending meetings where I am in the minority by wearing masks, and it doesn't seem to bother anyone as nobody knows the underlying medical conditions of others which may influence the decision of whether to mask. Each person should make the decision that is right for themselves.

I will say that if you choose NOT to mask you should probably bring one with you and offer to put it on in case you encounter an interviewer who is wearing one. Likely would not get dinged for not wearing one but it would certainly be a nice gesture.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Presuming you are fully vaccinated.

I'd bring one with you, but you choose the circumstances to wear it. As the weather gets cooler, other respiratory viruses will get spread. Navigate your risk as you need to (how closely packed are you, or do you take care of a high risk person at home)?

ADD: wash your hands or use sanitizers. I made sure my interview waiting room had a big warehouse size dispenser (pre-COVID), and I always reminded students to go to the bathroom to wash their hands after lunch if they didn't.

 

[Angus Avagadro]

As of Aug, the 6 day avg for covid deaths for the US was 471. The Omicron variant doesn't appear to destroy the lungs to the extent Delta did. So we're entering a more endemic, less deadly stage. I would carry a mask for the interview. At this point I don't believe anyone will judge you if you wear one or not. Go with your gut. If you don't wear one, some interviewers may ask why and for your reasoning.

 

[LizzyM]

While you're at it, get a flu shot as soon as you can.