{"id":213211,"date":"2020-11-12T09:18:59","date_gmt":"2020-11-12T14:18:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/?p=213211"},"modified":"2020-11-19T15:33:39","modified_gmt":"2020-11-19T20:33:39","slug":"wearing-is-caring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2020\/11\/12\/wearing-is-caring\/","title":{"rendered":"Wearing is Caring"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wearing masks was not what the Povolo quintuplets had in mind when they pictured their college experience. But as they navigate a semester like no other, Victoria, Masha, Ashley, Michael and Marcus are making the most of a semester where face coverings are part of everyday life.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been a smooth ride,\u201d says Victoria.<\/p>\n

The masks, along with social distancing, handwashing, ventilation and online self-screenings<\/a>, have helped to slow the spread of COVID-19 and allow the University to provide students with as much in-person, on-campus instruction and activities as possible under the circumstances.<\/p>\n

And in a significant update to its guidance on face coverings, the CDC now says wearing a mask also protects you, not only those around you.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also provided for creative expression as the masks have become an essential fashion accessory on the Montclair State campus.<\/p>\n

Starting college during a pandemic isn\u2019t what freshman quintuplets, from left, Masha, Victoria, Michael, Ashley and Marcus, expected when they decided to attend Montclair State together.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As November temperatures reached into the 70s, the freshman Povolo quintuplets walked around the campus, their plain black and blue masks a contrast to the brilliant yellows and reds of campus foliage at its peak.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would love to buy a camel mask or a mask with the Italian flag,\u201d says Marcus Povolo, \u201cIt\u2019s just hard to find.\u201d<\/p>\n

Montclair State mandates that everyone who comes to campus to work, study or visit, whether they are here every day or only some days, take the Hawk Check<\/a> self-assessment. Other precautions include a surveillance testing program and free, on-campus flu vaccination clinics.<\/p>\n

\"Student
Melanie Cordova styles a Halloween-themed mask and outfit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wearing masks is part of this new normal, a simple, but critical tactic for protection and slowing the spread of the virus. \u201cThere are other precautions to take, but I believe wearing masks is an important one,\u201d says Melanie Cordova, a sophomore in the School of Nursing.<\/p>\n

Cordova coordinates her masks and outfits. \u201cI personally have a lot of masks and I like to make all of my masks scream \u2018me.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0The masks of Chuks Diayi make a fashion statement.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Chuks Diayi, a senior majoring in Marketing, makes aesthetic choices when choosing face coverings. \u201cI look for solid colors, nothing fancy, to wear on a regular basis. The more eye-catching masks I wear are versatile and fit with every colorway of clothing that I own. My black mask is \u2018mad\u2019 nice and definitely my favorite.\u201d<\/p>\n

Carlie Van Tassel says she keeps her face coverings handy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cMasks have become the \u2018new norm\u2019 for everyone, says Carlie Van Tassel, a freshman Biology major. \u201cI always make sure I have some around. I leave one by the door and some in the car.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs for style, since they are so important, having a fun mask can lighten the mood during times like these.\u201d<\/p>\n

Story by Staff Writer Marilyn Joyce Lehren<\/a><\/p>\n

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