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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Are you wearing a mask when you go out?

123 replies

Grumpylockeddownwoman · 19/05/2020 22:20

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

OP posts:

Godzillasonice · 19/05/2020 23:34

I haven’t been to a supermarket or shop in nearly 10weeks so haven’t but bit scared about having to wear one when I am called back to work. I know it’s stupid but I haven’t been round anyone but my kids in so long going back wearing ppe in my class will be weird.

FOJN · 19/05/2020 23:35

Oh and to test the quality you shouldn’t be able to blow a match out with it on.

That's interesting, do you mind if I ask where you got that info? I just tried it with my home made masks and the flame didn't even flicker, it's a good mask or my lung function is rubbish!

Bobleywobley · 19/05/2020 23:35

3 x professors on TV this morning and every one said face masks should be mandatory. They are effective in cutting risk of catching it and spreading it. Why would rest of the world (and health workers) bother if they offer no protection??

Dinosauratemydaffodils · 19/05/2020 23:37

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.

Are there any exemptions at all?

ChaBishkoot · 19/05/2020 23:39

Yes for those who are unable to wear one for
medical reasons.

EnthusiasmIsDisturbed · 19/05/2020 23:41

ViveLEntenteCordiale · 19/05/2020 23:43

Yes, I'm in a France and it's recommended in shops. In fact some won't let you in unless you're wearing one. Funny that we've gone from interdit to obligatoire in a few weeks.

I have to wear them for hospital appointments and physio too. Physio is a bit of a pain because it feels hard to get enough air in.

Tip for anyone who can't get medical masks to fit because their face is too short, meaning the mask rides up and pokes you in the eyes: fold over the top bit with the nose piece and tape with micropore or other medical tape. So much better! Took me a lot of googling (no help at all) and fiddling (in a safe, clean environment!) before I realised this was the solution - originally thought the elastics were the wrong length!

I see a lot dumped in shopping centre/supermarket car parks too - so irresponsible.

Ca58 · 19/05/2020 23:45

If making your own at home,Vilene M12 interfacing is what you should use as the middle layer. It’s a non woven material and combined with front and back layers of tightly woven cotton is as effective as you can make yourself

KrabbyPattie · 19/05/2020 23:46

I bought one as I thought I was going to have to travel to my new job on public transport. However, I don't have to do that now and I see no one and meet no one so don't need it! (I haven't lost the new job, it has just gone home working!).

However, I think I will wear it when shopping. I can't bear the thought of passing the virus to someone else if that was avoidable.

Fifthtimelucky · 19/05/2020 23:50

My daughter has made me a couple out of an old skirt (she's much handier with a sewing machine than I am).

Haven't worn them yet, but am glad to have them just in case.

SpiritEssence · 19/05/2020 23:54

I saw earlier a old man with one on. He then sits on a bench and takes it off to smoke . Then he puts it back in....sp pointless

NotMoreFootball · 20/05/2020 00:12

Yes. I'm in a US State that's about 3 weeks into reopening and it's recommended to wear them in shops (some chains have made it mandatory) and compulsory in hairdressers, nail bars etc.
Everyone seems to be taking the guidance seriously, I found it uncomfortable to wear the first couple of times but I've got used to it very quickly. The only time I'm not wearing one is when exercising outdoors and eating in restaurants.

HoldMyLobster · 20/05/2020 02:33

Yes I wear them. No brainer. So do my kids.

DamnYankee · 20/05/2020 02:45

YANBU

At the supermarket and liquor store.

Outside, no.

araiwa · 20/05/2020 05:29

Every time i leave home

Not allowed in shops if youre not wearing one.

Its second nature now and doesnt bother me at all

okiedokieme · 20/05/2020 05:37

No, but I've already had it. Current evidence is that you have immunity for some time (nobody knows how long but likely to be over a year) so I can neither catch nor pass on the virus.

jonnybiscuits · 20/05/2020 05:39

DH works in a shop and doesn't wear one. It's far more effective to stay two metres apart and regularly wash/sanitise hands which is what he does.

He also says that customers coming in with masks on are the ones who, without exception, don't maintain physical distance as they seem to have a false sense of security. He had a woman reach over him to grab something off a shelf and when he reacted she replied angrily 'I've got a bloody mask on don't be so dramatic'.

okiedokieme · 20/05/2020 05:44

I was in the supermarket yesterday and very few people had masks and of those who did, two only covered their mouth not their nose. Staff aren't wearing them but a couple had visors (they have them for staff but it's optional). There's been no new admissions recently and several days without deaths - I seriously doubt it is in general circulation now, the regional statistics publish include massive cities, here nobody uses the buses in normal times!

Acrasia · 20/05/2020 08:37

@Grumpylockeddownwoman I can actually now definitively answer the availability question because I had to pick up a prescription this morning, and the chemists has a big window display of several different styles of both disposable and reusable masks. I commented on this to DH and he told me that a lot of German companies, like Bosch, have also started producing masks to meet the increased demand (and to make up for lack of demand for some of their usual manufacturing I guess). Also, as I was typing this and there was an advert on the local radio for face masks with their logo on it, merchandising at its finest!

Acrasia · 20/05/2020 08:41

Wow, I need more coffee, and to learn to proof read before I post!!

Honeydukesmum · 20/05/2020 09:16

I haven’t yet as not been in shop or bus etc ( partner does at his insistence) but would if needed.

However for those with asthma etc the govt say not to wear alongside any one who cannot use safely such as young children.

kittykarate · 20/05/2020 09:46

I wear a home sewn mask when I'm outside, either to go to the shops or for a walk. When I exercise, the home sewn mask limits my breathing too much, so I wear a buff over my nose and mouth, to reduce the amount of droplets I huff out on people. Plus I like looking like a gangster.

Oblomov20 · 20/05/2020 09:48

No. I think they are pointless, or most made at home are. I haven't bought any because key workers need them more than me.

FightingFiles · 20/05/2020 09:54

Thin sanitary towel stuck inside a cotton mask works a treat, and stops your glasses steaming up.

I'm a nurse on a covid ward so quite likely to be a carrier. I wear this and so do my colleagues, for getting petrol and shopping. I'd hate to pass it on.

MrsWooster · 20/05/2020 09:54

Why aren’t people getting that wearing a mask DOESN’T protect them, it protects others? I scrupulously observed SD and only went to supermarkets once a week and am pretty sure I still got it. I’m just starting to go back out after 5 weeks-to doctor for a blood test-and still wore one just in case I am still remotely infectious. I’m sick of the selfishness displayed all around. Medical conditions aside, just bloody wear one for the greater good.

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