Are you wearing a mask when you go out?

[Grumpylockeddownwoman]

Just that really...
yanbu - I wear a mask
YABU - I don’t

FWIW - I have bought a couple and worn for supermarket trips but nothing else. I probably would if having to get on the tube etc

No. I can't cope with anything tight over my mouth and nose due to the reason for my ptsd. My psychiatrist has said if they become mandatory he will write a letter explaining why I'm not complying. Hoping I can get away with a scarf loose enough that I'm not panicking and clawing at it. Not currently going shopping or on public transport though.

Blue “ Have they actually released what type of face mask, what grade you should be wearing????”

They said using a scarf is fine.

Hardly any staff in local Aldi wear them. Most don’t want to.

I can't cope and I've not even got PTSD
I can't understand how so many people manage it

10. Face coverings If you can, wear a face covering in an enclosed space where social distancing isn’t possible and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet. This is most relevant for short periods indoors in crowded areas, for example, on public transport or in some shops.

Evidence suggests that wearing a face covering does not protect you. However, if you are infected but have not yet developed symptoms, it may provide some protection for others you come into close contact with.

Face coverings do not replace social distancing. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, and/or high temperature, and/or loss of, or change in, your normal sense of smell or taste - anosmia), you and your household must isolate at home: wearing a face covering does not change this.

A face covering is not the same as the surgical masks or respirators used by healthcare and other workers as part of personal protective equipment. These should continue to be reserved for those who need them to protect against risks in their workplace, such as health and care workers, and those in industrial settings, like those exposed to dust hazards.

Face coverings should not be used by children under the age of 2 or those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly. For example, primary age children unassisted, or those with respiratory conditions.

It is important to use face coverings properly and wash your hands before putting them on and taking them off.

You can make face-coverings at home. The key thing is it should cover the mouth and nose

I am.

Only in shops - and if we’re ever allowed to visit other cities I’ll wear one on the train/tube too. I think passengers on public transport should ideally wear them if they can; face coverings are now recommended by the department for transportation.

Don’t see the point in wearing one whilst walking/exercising though. I avoid narrow paths and purposely go out when it’s quiet - I’m never in close contact with others. I’m quite active so I don’t want to get sweat on the mask (loses efficiency) or restrict my breathing - it was really hot today and I couldn’t wait to take it off to get some fresh air, the mask was so stuffy!

@Dinosauratemydaffodilszl so sorry to hear that - I hate to just offer rubbish advice - but if it did become mandatory (which I don’t think it will) could a loose cotton type scarf help? Like more a baggy pashmina type thing? X

Agree that people seem confused about how/when to wear them. One of my neighbours wears them constantly, even in his car by himself.

Yes definitely

ilovebluecheese
The science isn't conclusive but there is enough evidence for the government to suggest we wear them in places such a shops because they contain the virus inside the mask. Lots of people seem to have no symptoms so it's useful for reducing transmission from that group of infected people. It's to protect other people and not the wearer. Masks can be made with filter pockets and any non-woven material can be used as a filter, coffee filters, but up vacuum cleaner bags or kitchen towel for example.

Walk no, shop yes.
I wear a Virustatic shield.

Cut up vacuum cleaner bags

No, I don't wear one. I'm leaving them for people who really need them.

Yes. I'm recovering from covid and a secondary infection so only going to medical appointments but will continue to wear one out and about when I'm better. I have never been this ill, I've genuinely thought I am going to die a few times in the last 18 days (and counting!) I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

No, I'm not. I haven't been anywhere I can't maintain a 2m distance - the shops I have been in, I've maintained social distancing and so they aren't necessary. The have sensory issues that would be exacerbated by them too.

I have made some for family though - should my nephews actually return to school this academic year, they'll need them to wear on the bus; and my cousin gets the train as part of her commute, so she would need them too. I made them with a nose 'wire' and a pocket for a 'filter'.

I've seen so many people wearing them incorrectly, or removing them incorrectly, or thinking they don't need to maintain social distancing whilst wearing them...

As an aside - but relevant - point : please don't wear gloves into shops etc. They're terrible for transferring viruses, hence why medical staff change them after each patient - once you touch one thing with them on, you then transfer any potential contaminants onto every other thing you touch. Maintaining good hygiene - hand washing, or antibacterial gel if you're out - is a much, much better option.

I'm only going out for exercise at present and I'm not wearing a mask for that ,but I have ordered some washable ones for the whole family in case any of us go anywhere were social distancing can't be maintained. Currently only DH is going out to the shops but you never know what's round the corner. I was very sceptical initially but there does seem to be some evidence that even homemade masks can help slow the spread, provided they are used sensibly of course.

I have made a few. With pockets for filters. But I feel very self conscious about wearing one as I'm in the minority in most shops. I do adhere to social distancing (although some people today seemed to forget that). I may sound dumb but what is the reason that if you wear one you're not protected but others maybe?

@shookbelves bit based on the people making their own you wouldn’t be taking anything fro anyone else?

I wear a washable mask that gets washed after each use and disposable gloves that get binned after each use and I go to pick up and drop off supplies to my parents and to supermarkets and chemist. If there’s any chance that I could be carrying anything and be asymptomatic I would rather not risk passing it onto someone who may suffer. I agree with above, it’s a respect thing. As for the gloves, it makes me feel that I’m being more careful and hope it minimises the risk to me or my family.

The staff in our local aldi have their tills encased with perspex they have personal gel, wipes, extra cleaning staff.
It is the workers in euro shops and the like I felt for during lockdown.
At least with reopening there's official rules in place for employers to protect staff.

Yes when I went to the chemist, more for not touching my face when out and about than anything else

Have a lovely relative, not been out for weeks that wears mask in back garden just incase it jumps out and gets them

Yes. I wear it in any shops I go to but not if out for a walk as it’s open air and I keep a good distance away from everyone. Lots of very interesting information coming out showing how they can really help slow transmission. Given astmptmatic days no one know if they have it so wearing a mask when in an enclosed public space should be a given. I protect you by wearing it and you protect me. Obviously some can’t wear them (see asthmatic above) so those of us for whom it’s just an annoyance should! (Nearly suffocated in it today as it’s roasting and I ended up spending longer in the shop than intended).

I bought some reusable ones from Etsy. Oh and to test the quality you shouldn’t be able to blow a match out with it on.

@Sadie789 you’re waiting until the government tell you it’s the right thing to do? One word... Cheltenham!!!

Masks are effective at reducing transmission. If we all want normal life back any time soon we will have to suck it up and do some stuff we don’t like like wearing masks (again this doesn’t apply to those who genuinely can’t for medical reasons.)

It’s compulsory where I live (not in the UK) and has been for nearly 3 weeks now. All of us including the kids wear masks.

what is the reason that if you wear one you're not protected but others maybe?

If you are wearing one, it will physically limit the spread of any droplets you expel thru talking, coughing, sneezing,etc. If someone else coughs/ sneezes / inadvertently "spits" on you, a cloth mask won't stop you breathing in any virus.

I see it as a kindness to others to wear them. I only do it in enclosed spaces so don't out walking, etc.

I have to wear one for 12 hours at work!!