Why don't we make masks compulsory for shops too?

[jobhunter7]

It'd be a minor inconvenience...

And we could have the same exemptions as for public transport...

But surely it would be preferable to a 2nd lockdown...

They have done this in Germany...

[Crockodoodle]

I agree

[Crockodoodle]

Although my side bar is now showing a govt message suggesting that when shopping you should 'wear a face mask if you can'

[DamitJanet]

I agree. Especially with a reduction to 1m distancing in places. The government spent so long saying they are unnecessary they’re struggling to row back on it

[Redolent]

It’s an absolute no-brainer if it means infection rates stay low. but just like many US states right now, we will do it when it’s too late.

Interestingly, this is from the Guardian today:

——————————

Face masks should be compulsory for adults in all public and enclosed spaces, such as shops, according to a leading infectious diseases expert.

Prof Peter Piot, director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said he did not understand why the government had only ordered their use on trains, tubes and buses in England.

“I don’t understand why it is not official policy to have compulsory face masks not only on public transport but when you go into public places, enclosed places and shops and all that,” said Piot in an interview with the Guardian.

But here, he said, politicians and many in the scientific community were opposed. “I can imagine the debates. Britain is a nation of people who want absolute evidence, and the evidence for masks is more ecological, as we say. There are very few randomised controlled trials. But even if they are not 100% effective, if everybody wears one, we know from other countries that it works.”

[maddy68]

Compulsory in most other countries ..Boris is clueless

[Burpalot]

I agree. I already wear a mask in shops. Can't believe other people don't! I want to get a mask with 'this is for your benefit!' printed on it.

[daisychicken]

It isn't a minor inconvenience if you are deaf and need to lipread. I cannot hear you, understand you or lipread you if you are wearing a mask. I'm fully supportive of wearing masks but, everybody needs to be aware that communication will be even more difficult for some people and therefore wear masks with a see-through panel for lipreading or be willing to communicate in other ways. Sadly, most people won't.

I'm profoundly deaf and I am already struggling with people wearing masks. I don't complain because I understand and support the use of masks but I am already having even more difficulty than usual communicating and having to face irritated or angry people who cannot understand why I am struggling (despite me clearly saying I am profoundly deaf).

If masks have to be worn in public spaces then more effort has to be by everyone to ensure everyone is able to understand what is being said.

[Redolent]

@daisychicken

It isn't a minor inconvenience if you are deaf and need to lipread. I cannot hear you, understand you or lipread you if you are wearing a mask. I'm fully supportive of wearing masks but, everybody needs to be aware that communication will be even more difficult for some people and therefore wear masks with a see-through panel for lipreading or be willing to communicate in other ways. Sadly, most people won't.

I'm profoundly deaf and I am already struggling with people wearing masks. I don't complain because I understand and support the use of masks but I am already having even more difficulty than usual communicating and having to face irritated or angry people who cannot understand why I am struggling (despite me clearly saying I am profoundly deaf).

If masks have to be worn in public spaces then more effort has to be by everyone to ensure everyone is able to understand what is being said.

This must be frustrating ...happy to do what is needed and for there to be public information campaigns on how we can still facilitate communication.

[jobhunter7]

@Crockodoodle

I haven't seen that government yet. At least that's a start.

[daisychicken]

Redolent Thank you. Just being aware and making others aware helps. Being willing to use pen and paper /phone to write what you are saying helps as does being patient.

[feelingverylazytoday]

I think they'll start pushing it more soon, though I don't think it'll be compulsory as such. I've noticed more shops selling them now.

[Bmidreams]

Yes, it should definitely be compulsory.

[Passthebubbly]

I have a feeling here in Scotland it will be announced as compulsory on Thursdays briefing

[Ohchristmastreeohchristmastree]

I agree. It’s a small price to pay for getting back some sense of normality.

[Hollyhead]

Presumably it’s because actually most of the time shops are still very quiet? I would feel like a wally in a mask when I do my 7pm Aldi shop when it’s easy to stay away from people. (Typically one customer per aisle). I do think there should be more emphasis on wearing masks at busier times though.

[wanderings]

I agree. It’s a small price to pay for getting back some sense of normality. They'd better start telling us when they're going to reopen the gyms and pools, and other sectors forcibly closed, where people are fearing for their jobs, before there's any more about compulsory mask-wearing.

And as for slogan masks, I'd wear one which says "it's not a new normal", because I wish people would stop calling it that. It's a TEMPORARY normal.

[BillywilliamV]

Because they are a panacea, they dont actually make any real difference, that's why!

[Jayfee]

Have you been on a bus recently? There are always people, young and healthy looking, not wearing masks. In shops, very few shoppers and staff wear any face coverings. I think it should be enforced that it is compulsory on public transport unless you have something indicating why you should be exempt e.g an asthma pump perhaps. To people who cant be arsed on my bus, I am protecting you by wearing a mask, please do the same for me!

[flowerycurtain]

Completely agree.

I wear one shopping. It's noticeable that people avoid me and keep a 2m distance compared to others that don't. I'm often the only one in the shop wearing it.

Even if it has no medical benefit it has a tangible impact on people's awareness.

[letsgomaths]

When I've seen people wearing masks, many of them are touching their faces ALL THE TIME.

[cologne4711]

I agree OP. They are not very nice on a hot day but hopefully would have the secondary advantage of stopping people faffing around in shops. Get what you need and go.

[cologne4711]

Because they are a panacea, they dont actually make any real difference, that's why

I think you mean they're not a panacea. Well maybe they are a bit like cycle helmets, in that they give people a false sense of security, but given the stats say that if everyone wears one the chances of transmission drop by 70%, that seems like a good reason to wear one.

[Fenlandmum]

I wish we could see some public figures out and about in masks to encourage people to wear them. I've yet to see a member of the government or the royal family wearing one, apart from Prince William when he visited a lab last week. I'm quite surprised that the Duchess of Cambridge didn't bother with one when she visited a hospice last week.

[Mary19]

I really think we should have compulsory masks for all but exempt people in all public places but especially shops. It would help remind people these are not normal times and to be more alert. My sons were saying people are getting on the buses with them but when they sit down the pull their masks down. How mad. The masks are for public protection not just to show the bus driver You have a mask.. Worse still I passed a bus. In the back was a care worker , in uniform, mask down eating her sandwich. Wrong on so many counts. Hands going to mouth, no mask on bus. Prolly on route from client to client. Unlikely to have washed hand before eating. This is someone caring for our most vulnerable.
So many people also seem to wear them incorrectly. Ie not over their nose. I also think we need some public education about mask usage and how to wear them

[SockYarn]

No thanks.

The virus spreads in confined spaces when you are face to face with a person at distances of less than a metre (or two, depending on who you believe).

Me walking past you in a supermarket, bookstore or clothes shop isn't going to be sufficient contact to give you Covid19, even if I have it and am unaware I have it. I'd have to pin you up against the baked beans and cough all over your face.