This is a peculiar situation. It is obvious that masks reduce transmissions of the virus. So less masks means more infections. As the virus spreads, it will include, simply by the numbers, many lower income, underinsured and uninsured people. Again, by the numbers, some of those victims will lose work, some will need hospitalization, some will need ICU treatment and tragically, some will die.
Economically, the country will lose productivity as more people succumb to the virus in various ways. It also means that, as a group, these people will earn less and pay less in taxes. America already has a declining workforce.
It will eventually cause an increase in taxes as we care for these people and have to make up for lost productivity. Keep in mind, that ultimately, no one is uninsured. Emergency rooms and ICU’s take everyone regardless of their ability to pay or insurance. The cost is covered by taxes.
So here is where it gets strange. It seems that many Republicans and other fiscal conservatives are resistant to wearing masks. They are certainly against rising taxes.
Therefore, given the present circumstances, it would be logical for Republicans to be the most supportive for mask mandates. Otherwise, our taxes will go up even more as we care for all the sick and the consequence of economic loss. So if they cannot be persuaded by humanitarian intentions, they should be convinced by economic reasoning. If anything the battle they wage should be put off for another day.
Wear a mask, not only does it save lives, it saves taxes.