A face mask controversy over a century ago

Did you know… there was an anti-mask league in 1918?

At the moment there is a huge amount of debate about whether we should all be wearing face masks. Are they effective? Can they be reused?

This debate isn’t new.

In 1918 an influenza epidemic spread around the world following the end of WWI. Cities went into lockdowns and pubs, bars and restaurants closed.

In the USA, then as now, some people felt this was an infringement on their liberties. Resistance was such that it that saw the creation of an anti-mask league.

You can read more about the American influenza epidemic of 1918-1919 here

The PPE examples we see today are for medial folk but in times of crisis similar ones have been worn by everyone, as have the home made, wrapped scarves and heavily marketed ones.

In 1918 gauze was sold to women in the USA as it was more delicate, meaning that lipstick was still visible!