Box 2: ‘Superheroes’ wear face coverings
This picture (Figure 2) was an entry into the #UnmaskStigma world TB day challenge where members of the public submitted photos of themselves wearing a face covering. The aim was to change medical masks from being symbols of illness and Tuberculosis disease and make them fun. Entries showed people doing exciting activities like surfing and sky-diving, and the mundane activities like ironing and walking to work, while wearing a face covering. Celebrities that also supported the campaign were Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Katie Holmes and it was co-launched between the NGO TB Proof and the then WHO Director of the Global TB Programme.
Recent mandating of face coverings in the context of COVID-19 has probably reduced stigma around this practice in some countries. However, universal use does not mitigate all negative symbolism. Face coverings are a physical barrier and can still symbolise a form of separation even when venturing out in public. Communicating with someone while your mouth is covered dampens the sound, does not allow them to lip read and removes non-verbal communication such as smiling.