Do you think we should be wearing face masks? And if so why aren't more people doing it?

[tinkywinkyshandbag]

That's all really...just interested in others opinions..

[Useruseruserusee]

Yes I think we should. I also think a lot of people aren’t because they are desperate to believe that it is almost over and they really want things to be normal.

[selfisolationsociety]

In shops and things and in enclosed spaces like the government said, outdoors no, I have always worn one cycling and running anyway because I have a bad nose and the cold air irritates after an operation, alway got funny looks. Think coughing in public should be banned like smoking haha! I get hayfever I have terrible allergies to the outside and if you cough any where people look like they want to spray you with bleach.

[ILiveInSalemsLot]

I think we should if we’re on public transport or indoor spaces. There’s lots of research about how much it reduces transmission by. I think the latest one said 75%?
It would really make sense to encourage it.
I’ve been wearing a face covering when I’ve gone to the supermarket.
Not outside though.

[Mascotte]

No, I don't.

[Noworrieshere]

Indoors yes we should. Outdoors no we don't need to.

[Picklypickles]

I think it makes sense to wear them inside shops and enclosed spaces etc. I haven't got a mask yet, I looked online with the thought of ordering us some but they aren't all that cheap for fabric ones - most are between £10 and £20 that's going to cost a fortune for 4 of us and we aren't well off! I'll use a scarf or something if I have to go into a shop.

[YeOldeTrout]

No, I don't think they are that effective. but then I'm not scared of the virus anyway... and I don't like the landfill waste.

I'm not allowed to go anywhere crowded, either.

[SerendipityJane]

From recent developments, I think the best face mask to wear is this one. Seems to allow you to do what you want with impunity.

[Stripesgalore]

People aren’t wearing them because so many lies circulated on social media saying they didn’t protect you. People either still believe that or are confused.

There’s also probably quite a few people who would like to catch it so that it is over and done with as they think they might then be immune.

And then other people who want everything to seem normal and so resent wearing masks or seeing other people in them.

And then people who can’t wear them for health reasons.

Lastly people whose lives are too chaotic or dysfunctional to take precautions.

[Sleepyquest]

I absolutely think we should but I think the government need to be enforcing it and I have no idea why they aren't. They've done a half arse campaign telling you how to make one from an old t shirt but have never said you MUST wear one. I don't get it

[ShanghaiDiva]

I do if I go shopping as it’s not always easy to maintain the 2m distance.
I wear one because I lived in Asia for 12 years and it’s unusual to wear one and mandatory in China when I lived there earlier this year.

[SquirmOfEels]

Khan is calling for them to be required on London public transport.

I think that is a good idea when we're still quite high up the Nando's scale. Because it's all about protecting everyone else from you, and reducing the amount of germs swishing around in enclosed areas.

Lower down the Nando's scale, they should be optional, for not veryone can wear a mask, and they of course also need to be able to access public transport as soon as it is safe enough.

It could be part of the tailored regional response to further outbreaks, where those unluckymenough to have one nearby face greater restrictions for a while in the public good.

Assuming of course that the government sorts out the current pike of horseshite and decides if regulations need to be followed, or if we can all just make individual decisions (despite a range of options which do not break regs being available)

[tinkywinkyshandbag]

Thanks all, I've seen every extreme from people wearing them in their own gardens to people in crowds not wearing them. It's mandatory in some countries and you get fined if you don't. Personally I think that's OTT but I think people should be encouraged to more than they have been. I've made myself some but haven't worn them out yet, DH has been doing most of the shopping etc but as things relax I think I will be out and about more. I think I feel embarrassed to wear one but not sure why!

[RelapsedChocoholic]

In enclosed public spaces- absolutely
“I protect you, you protect me”

I submit a question about why the government have not mandated this, rather than suggested, each day to the daily briefing but am yet to be selected.

[SpringBlossomIsBeautiful]

I had to wear one for work last week (for 3 hrs) & have the utmost respect for doctors/nurses/care workers because it was horrible.
My face was constantly itchy & I found myself constantly rearranging it.
I literally ripped it off the minute I could

[BlusteryLake]

There is so much conflicting information about that people don't know what to do for the best. I think more people would do it if there was a clear message about it being the trade off to being able to reduce the 2m distance rule. At the moment it's a bit wishy washy and "maybe wear it when it's not possible to do social distancing, if you have a mask, but not for toddlers, but try and do social distancing unless you can't"!

[Irnbroothenoo]

Unless you change them around 3 times a day, they are pointless

[Nihiloxica]

I was prepared to perform pointless mask wearing to protect the anxious get back to something resembling normality.

But now I can't be arsed.

[NoHardSell]

People should be free to do what they want. I was never in favour of banning religious coverings such as burkas nor am I in favour of mandating seni-religious coverings such as face masks. Wear them if it makes you happier.

2 metre rule is also a lot of non scientific nonsense - 1 or 1.5 elsewhere

[BiBabbles]

Part of me thinks it should be more common, but until those already working out of the home are allowed to wear them and/or have better access, I wouldn't want to automatically think ill of those who don't (outside of the protesters). I know more than a few with that issue, who do errands on their way to or from work to minimize time outside of the home,

[BiBabbles]

Part of me thinks it should be more common, but until those already working out of the home are allowed to wear them and/or have better access, I wouldn't want to automatically think ill of those who don't (outside of the protesters). I know more than a few with that issue, who do errands on their way to or from work to minimize time outside of the home,

[HPandTheNeverEndingBedtime]

I prefer to stick to social distancing and handwashing. If I leave the house I take a flask of hot water and have a small washing up bowl, soap and cold water in the back of the car so I can wash my hands properly after carrying out errands instead of waiting until I get home.

It seems to me that masks give people a false sense of security and the people wearing them are the ones that squash pass you in the supermarket queue etc.

I also live in an area of the country with a low case rate. If I lived in a city, having to get public transport or in other areas where there are more people I would probably wear one.

[museumum]

In Scotland they said anywhere you can’t socially distance. I’ve worn mine twice in smaller shops but not outside and not in the supermarket (ours is very empty when I’m there). I would if I had to catch a bus or train.

[TinCanAlley2]

My GP surgery is now running a 'no mask no appointment' policy

[museumum]

I would be MORTIFIED to sneeze in public without a mask though. And I do have mild hayfever so it is a risk.