Adapting to the new normal: the dilemma of wearing face mask

The sudden emergence of COVID-19 in 2020 revealed a new aspect of face masks.From a medical supply to an essential preventive measure, face mask has marked their era.Face mask usage patterns and practices are determined by the mask perception of an individual.Various research studies have highlighted the influence of age group, gender, and location on these perceptions.Mask resistance is prevalent among the general public even after the tragic waves of COVID-19.It becomes important to understand the barriers and motivating factors of face mask usage during the pandemic as it provides reliable justification for mask resistance.The present paper is an attempt to highlight various factors that affect the usage of the facemask to deal with the pandemic during the pandemic and in the post-pandemic (so-called 'New Normal' era).Even as the pandemic moves into an endemic phase, it is still important to wear masks, particularly in environments where vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are present.Face mask, the new skill of living, requires mandatory adoption to work efficiently in the post-pandemic era or new normal.New normal signifies regular adoption of all necessary preventive measures to step forward in the pandemic times.The present research has implications for the adoption of preventive strategies during the new normal phase.