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Counselor weighs in on viral fight over mask-wearing at a Costco in Lee County

Posted at 11:57 PM, Jul 07, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-08 11:34:42-04

CAPE CORAL, FLA — Right now in the U.S. masks are controversial.

Nothing makes that clearer than a now viral confrontation, apparently happening inside of a Fort Myers Costco, which allegedly started because a man wasn't wearing a mask and others pointed it out.

The controversy comes after stern warnings from local health leaders like Antonucci.

"You may be invincible, but there is someone in your life who isn't," said Lee Health CEO, Dr. Larry Antonucci.

And encouragement from the governor himself.

"We're going to continue to put out the guidance and trust people to make good decisions," said Governor Ron DeSantis.

And yet still some say they won't wear one during the pandemic.

Fox 4 spoke to a local counselor about why that may be.

"We've been doing over and over again the right things, trying to make the right choices and as you can see the number of people who are infected has just exploded," said Dr. Alise Bartley of FGCU's Community Counseling Center.

When it comes down to it, Dr. Bartley says most of us, whether we realize it or not, are really scared right now. And for some, drawing the line at wearing a mask, helps people to regain some control.

She says the best thing we can do as a community, to help everyone understand, is to lead with compassion and remember that we're all in this fight together.

"We have to help people understand and believe in the importance of all of us working together," said Bartley.