# It feels like driving on a highway not wearing a seat belt 2022-04-28 When I arrived at the checkout counter, all the other cashiers were teasing him. I only understood all that buzz when I looked up. He wasn't wearing a mask. ![[vladcampos.com/_photos/2022-04-28-white-mask.jpg|A white protective face mask is sitting on a wooden surface.|500]] I was aware that the government was discussing new measures that day, but my brain took a while to assimilate that a store employee, that person right in front of me, wasn't wearing a mask. He had this wonderful happiness face, replying to his friends: —No, I'm not going to wear it anymore! That was a great smile. Made my day. <a href="https://www.portugal.gov.pt/pt/gc23/comunicacao/noticia?i=mascaras-passam-a-ser-obrigatorias-em-apenas-tres-casos">Starting on the last last 21st</a>, masks in Portugal are only mandatory on public transportation and health related situations, like hospitals, home care, etc. It's remarkable how we humans get used to new habits. It's a week after the new rules, and it still feels like something is not quite right when I enter a store without my mask. 😯 Feels like driving on a highway, not wearing a seat belt. ![[vladcampos.com/_embedded/After Post]]