Is the "to" optional?

Yes.

Yes of course it is way too optional, but then, how as the establishment does one control and enforce 100% mask wearing and social distancing? It is impossible. The society has to control and police itself which is of course fatal, as sense is definitely not common.

If everyone wore a mask + face shield + moisture imperious gloves + washed their hands + used 60%plus alcohol hand wipe .... Plus maintained rigid social distancing .... Then only went out of their home when absolutely 100% necessary .... then the pandemic would slow down BECAUSE people would actually be taking proper notice.

Of course much of the resistance to masks and social distancing is based in a lack of general education and low socio economic grouping (or occasional posturing by politicos) ..... "No one tells me what to do!" ..... is invariably the word from the lower strata. This is of course not true, their lives are 99% out of their control, so when something as simplistic as a face mask and not holding a party is required .... they get all 'tough' and rebel. Quite often dying for their stilted outlook.

Our family is made up of professionals, Dr's, Professors etc etc ... We all adhere to the earlier description .... No one tells us what to do, we simply do what is profoundly sensible and stick rigidly to it.