Experts address why masks are important

Experts say that as restrictions loosen and society reopens - social distancing and masks will be more important than ever.

Hear it time and time again -- we're all in this together.

But when it comes to wearing face masks... we seem to be as divided as ever.

Health officials say you should have them on when you're in grocery stores -- but half the people don't seem to be bothering.

Kezi 9 news reporter emma jerome spoke with shoppers and public health officials about why they do, why they don't, and why they should "at the point we're at it seems like people are getting comfortable and accepting where we're at and choosing not to wear a mask.

S experts say that as restrictions loosen and society reopens - social distancing and masks will be more important than ever.

"i have spent a lot of time in portland and it's a little different up there where it seems everyone is wearing masks, especially in the stores.

Here it's a little different i would say about 50 percent of peole are wearing masks" emma jerome: " i went to a handful of different grocery stores today and what i witnessed echoed what shoppers told me.

Around 50 percent of people wore masks and for one reason or another ... the other half didn't" i went to whole foods, market of choice, albertsons, and walmart... the only store where everyone wore a mask was whole foods and that might have something to do with them not letting you in if you dont.

"one of the best ways you can prepare is to just have a mask on hand and throw it on when you find it's hard to keep that social distance.

The cdc recommends wearing a mask or face covering any time you cnt easily maintain 6 feet of physical distance.

By you wearing a mask... you protect someone else.

When they wear a mask... they're helping to protect you.

"i think generally people are trying to take those precautions."

Those who weren't wearing masks and are choosing not to said it's their right.

Reporting in eugene emma jerome kezi 9 news it's now