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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Are you / would you wear a mask?

110 replies

OldTownRoadHome · 24/02/2020 22:41

Just wondering, are you considering or do you already wear a mask when out and about due to the potential pandemic? I’ve seen only 2 people with them, a Chinese guy and an Uber driver, but we live very rurally.

I am travelling for work this week and seriously considering a mask for the crowded bits eg the tube as I have asthma, as does my sister and elderly parents. But my British need to not look a dick head is saying no!

Yes - you are/would/plan to wear a mask
No - are not/no plans/would never wear one

OP posts:
Nochangeplease · 24/02/2020 22:43

I’ve seen lots and lots of people wearing them in London. I wouldn’t wear one, I don’t think there’s much point.

TopShelf · 24/02/2020 22:43

I've bought one but not worn it yet - I will though as
soon as I see someone in my small market town wearing one.

OntheWaves40 · 24/02/2020 22:44

No I wouldn’t.

WalkingDeadTrainee · 24/02/2020 22:46

No. I don't believe the ones people buy hellp

PurpleDaisies · 24/02/2020 22:46

No I wouldn’t.

DramaAlpaca · 24/02/2020 22:46

I've stocked up on some, just to have in the house, but won't use them unless it becomes advisable to do so.

ChelseaCat · 24/02/2020 22:46

No point - won’t make any difference

Hand hygiene is key.

Coolcucumber2020 · 24/02/2020 22:47

Hand hygiene.

AntennaReborn · 24/02/2020 22:49

I believe a mask mostly stops you from passing anything on, but they aren't as good at protecting you

purpleme12 · 24/02/2020 22:49

I would feel suffocated in a mask and like I can't breathe so no

yatapina · 24/02/2020 22:50

I was in Screwfix the other day and noticed a sign on the counter that said something along the lines of due to unprecedented demand orders of respiratory masks are limited to 5 per customer.

Someone must be buying them and I assume it's not because there's been a spike in building renovations!

IvyBush123 · 24/02/2020 22:50

I do not wear a mask yet but we have bought some. I started using hand sanitizer after touching the handle of a shopping card, using public restrooms and so on. I also avoid public transport. I switched from car to public transport last year because I wanted to do my bit for the environment. Switched back to car now.

@topshelf: I think one is not enough. If you plan wearing masks you must regularly replace them or they are worse then nothing.

JasonBrun · 24/02/2020 22:51

I thought you meant in a sexy way Blush in my defense I've just come from the swinger's thread.

Are they effective?

shinyredbus · 24/02/2020 22:51

In China? Yes.
In England? No.

Hand hygiene is key.

paintedfences · 24/02/2020 22:52

For all those saying 'hand hygiene', it has been confirmed that the virus is airborne, not spread via droplet infection when you cough and sneeze.

That's why it's so infectious - hand hygiene is no protection if you are in an enclosed space with an infected person.

AndNoneForGretchenWieners · 24/02/2020 22:53

No. My sister is a nurse and her ward may end up with Coronavirus patients, if any are confirmed in our area. They have been told that the masks could actually make it worse - as you breathe whilst wearing it, it will become damp, and any virus particles will stick to the mask. She's been advised that it offers protection for approximately 3 minutes before starting to be more risky.

FenellaMaxwell · 24/02/2020 22:53

Ordinary masks are not effective against coronavirus. What masks are is a lovely warm, moist breeding ground for germs, conveniently held on to your face.

EliK · 24/02/2020 22:54

Not yet but I will if/when positive cases start appearing locally.

TopShelf · 24/02/2020 22:55

@IvyBush123
It's a proper big rubber thing with replaceable
filters in it. It's enough to scare anyone witless.

I wouldn't bother with those throwaway ones they can be worse than
useless apparently.

FenellaMaxwell · 24/02/2020 22:56

@paintedfences really? The CDC, WHO and NHS are all still saying droplet borne?

Yugi · 24/02/2020 22:56

The masks are only good for about 20 minutes and then they get damp and are useless. As someone said above

TheFlis12345 · 24/02/2020 22:59

Nope. I live and work in central London and there are always a lot of Chinese and Japanese tourists wearing masks but I haven’t seen more people than normal in them.

lumpy76 · 24/02/2020 22:59

No - not at the moment but i would if we were advised to. I'm seriously thinking about stocking up on non perishable food items although I won't do anything this week.

squeekums · 24/02/2020 22:59

Nope, we just did 2 weeks on the gold coast, hitting the theme parks and tourist spots, Didnt even consider a mask.
We saw some wearing them but most wernt, even in the airports

Apirateslifeforme · 24/02/2020 23:01

I actually have some, and I wore them a lot last year when I had some terrible chest infection that wouldn't go the fuck away. Any sort of smell, pollen or dust would literally bring me to my knees, so I actually got to the point where if I really had to go out I'd wear one, or if i was hoovering or trying to clean.
The truth is they're horrible, can make you very warm, very claustrophobic almost, and your face gets quite damp.
I'd prefer to concentrate on decent hygiene and keeping a safe distance from people and good old dettol antibacterial spray for everything, and focus on not touching surfaces in high traffic areas.

If theres anything that suffering with OCD that has made easier, its containing my fear of this virus. I dont venture out much, and if I do, I dont touch door handles, and I'm in the habit of using lots of antibacterial sanitizer and wipes, plus I antibac spray my coat, shoes and phone when I get in the house before washing my hands, then re spraying everything with antibac... I was so worried to start with.