Yes it is different. I don't like the idea of a mandate either. Unfortunately, the uneducated and indifferent amongst us make it necessary. There are still lots ( most ) who have no respect and who will happily walk around infecting others with whatever they are sneezing out . To me it's a no brainer,-- get the sniffles and you stay home unless absolutely necessary to go out , but only then with a mask. The most amazing thing is how many are too stupid to understand a simple concept like that , so mandates are advisable