Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden has attracted both support and criticism after voicing her choice to carry on wearing a mask following the dropping of COVID-19 restrictions. The 63-year-old Somerset native took to Twitter earlier this week to share a photo of herself wearing a mask with a black cat on it.
Deborah wrote: "Me going about my business today and every day until I hear a Science based argument on why wearing a mask is no longer needed to protect those more vulnerable than me…#wearamask"
The Tweet from Deborah came days before most COVID-19 restrictions were dropped, including the legal requirement to self isolate if you have tested positive for the virus. Meanwhile, face masks have not been compulsory in England since January, although lots of people still choose to wear them for various reasons.
The internet had a lot to say about Deborah's personal choice to continue wearing a mask. Whilst many praised her for her decision, and shared images of them also wearing masks, others criticised and questioned her.
One of the people to hit out at Deborah was political commentator Paul Joseph Watson, who suggested Deborah was 'being virtuous'. He linked a video from Darren Grimes, in a further attempt to criticise her, captioned: "A speech therapist says her clinic has seen a '364% increase in patient referrals of babies and toddlers'.
"'It's very important kids do see your face to learn, so they're watching your mouth.' What the hell have we done?! End this cruel insanity."
Deborah replied to Paul's Tweet, saying: "Like I need your permission"
In her responses to other people's Tweets, it became very apparent that Deborah's sister plays a huge part in her decision to keep wearing a mask. Nige said: "Respect your choice, but please respect others choice aswell. Restrictions have made my medical care almost impossible. So there's many sides to this story not just two."
Replying to him, Deborah said: "I do… but it’s hard when my sister with MS who is confident, Independent, Aline and in a wheelchair is advised not to go out because she is highly immune suppressed. I see the personal cost and wearing a mask seems such a small thing to do to help."
When another Twitter user, Darren Ashton, suggested: "You do you I'll do me", Deborah hit back, saying: "I’m not doing me Darren. I’m healthy and vaccinated. I’m wearing a mask for others worried about their vulnerability. I agree though… it’s a choice."
Deborah's replies were also filled with outpourings of support and praise from NHS workers and those who are immunocompromised, thanking her for her decision. Maria Carroll told Deborah: "Thank you @DeborahMeaden I am extremely clinically vulnerable.
"Had 3 primary doses of vaccine spent 2 years isolating. Last month our 8 yr old brought covid home from school. Hospital, anti viral infusion & I got through but still suffering affects. We can’t live with covid alone"
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