“Here, fire, you hungry? Here’s another mask,” a child was overheard saying.
On Saturday, approximately 100 protesters convened outside the Idaho Capitol in Boise for an anti-mask demonstration. While law enforcement made no arrests and the event organizers had obtained permits, one particular scene has raised concerns among Idaho State Police — and sparked discussions on Twitter. During the rally, a fire was ignited, and parents were observed encouraging children to throw face masks into the flames. This protest comes amid renewed warnings from public health experts about the crucial role of masks in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
In videos circulating on Twitter, children can be seen tossing what appear to be brand-new face masks into the fire as adults cheer them on. “Destroy them. They’re death,” one child is heard exclaiming. “Not all at once!” a man shouts as kids eagerly grab masks by the handful to toss into the blaze. “Smell the freedom, baby,” another adult adds. Epidemiologist Eric Feigl-Ding commented, “Mask burning is our new book burning. Parents teaching their kids to burn masks in Idaho is peak 2021 right now… SMH.”
The “Burn The Mask” rally, which attracted around 150 participants, aimed to oppose local mask mandates that demonstrators argued infringed on their personal liberties. Although Idaho’s governor has not enacted a statewide mask mandate, several counties and cities, including Boise, have implemented their own rules. Reports indicate that some politicians not only knew about the burn barrels but also encouraged attendees to bring masks — and even printed copies of related proclamations and executive orders — to burn at the numerous barrels set up throughout the state.
“It should be great,” said Republican state representative, Rep. Lisa Hart. “We have about 50 burn barrels organized around the state for people to engage in this.”
In contrast, Congressman John Smith from California remarked, “Dear mask burning folks in Idaho: Rejecting science is not anti-elite; it’s just plain stupid. Masks help prevent the spread and save lives. You are putting your family at increased risk.”
Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report indicating that mask-wearing is associated with a decline in COVID-19 infections and related fatalities in the U.S. The CDC stated, “Mandating masks was associated with a decrease in daily COVID-19 case and death growth rates within 20 days of implementation.” They also noted that allowing on-site dining in restaurants led to increased COVID-19 case growth rates.
CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky emphasized the need for continued mask-wearing: “I know the idea of relaxing mask-wearing is appealing, but we’re not there yet. By continuing to wear masks and adhering to public health recommendations, we can bring this pandemic to an end.” In short, it’s essential to keep wearing — not burning — those face masks.
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Summary: A recent anti-mask rally in Idaho saw parents encouraging children to burn masks, prompting concern from health officials and public health experts. The event, which attracted around 150 people, aimed to protest local mask mandates. While some politicians supported the rally, experts warned against rejecting science and highlighted the importance of masks in controlling the pandemic.