To not own a face mask

[BeeB29]

Aibu to not feel the need to buy one for my situation?

Mil was talking about face masks over the phone and I said I didn’t have any and I haven’t been actively looking for them.

I complete understand they have their purpose.

We are low risk. We live rurally in a quiet area so no crowds and avoid any crowds at the best of times, I try and get my shopping delivered, I social distance from people when I do have to go shopping, I drive so don’t have to use public transport (no public transport where I live anyway). I’m off work, home with dc. Other half has been working throughout but his job is low risk.

I just don’t feel there’s a need for me to buy them when others might be in greater need?

[FluffyKittensinabasket]

I have a pack to wear if I use the bus or train. I don’t wear in shops.

[Ghostlyglow]

I've just bought some really cheap ones off amazon. Just so we've got them if we need them, maybe if we need to use public transport.

[Freddiefox]

It’s almost like a badge of honour. I can’t see what you wouldn’t buy one/make one just in case.

[HumphreyGoodmanswife]

@HoneyBee03

It hasn't even occured to me to buy one to be honest and I don't know anyone who has. I rarely see anyone else wearing one in the local shops or supermarket either, but there's not many cases in my county so I don't think people are so concerned about wearing a face covering. I don't think its unusual at all not to own one.

This.
I was in M&S and Tesco earlier this week. Only saw 1 person wearing a mask in the hour or so I was in stores. The staff weren't wearing them either interestingly, a few weeks ago Tesco had visors, but not any more 🤷‍♀️

[cologne4711]

I wear a runners' snood like this: www.runmummyrun.co.uk/shop/snug-19/

or you could spend £££ and get one of these: www.beautybible.com/beauty-bible-posts/beauty-bible-loves-edina-ronay-face-masks

[Fuzzyspringroll]

We've got about 12 washable ones, two of those are FFP2 masks. I also have a visor for work (I'm a teacher), which I wear most of the day. I find it much easier to wear than a mask.
However, we live abroad and have to wear masks to enter shops, banks, etc. , as well as when going on public transport.

[CertieCumboyle]

I haven't even read your OP fully, but YANBU for not having a mask.

I am not wearing one, and that's that.

[AriettyHomily]

I bought a pack of 20 disposables, haven't felt the need to wear it, but then I'm not getting public transport at the moment. I had to take my daughter to a and e a couple of weeks ago and we put scarves over our faces at first (before I had the masks) and took them off there was no one else there.

I'm not living with anyone shielding or high risk though.

[BadgersAreReal]

I don't have any either.

I haven't seen any shop workers wearing them. In fact, I have seen maybe a handful of people wearing them since lockdown began.

[Waxonwaxoff0]

I don't own one. I will get one soon as I don't drive so will need it for public transport but I'm not wearing one anywhere that isn't compulsory.

[Chipsahoy]

Well we have some. First time I put it on, flashback to the many times a man had put his hand over my mouth. You know I am willing to put up with it. I strong and tough and know how to ground. If it's to keep others safe then fine.. So mostly I avoid indoors at any cost. Dh does shopping.

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

I don't have one as I panic if anything covers my nose and mouth. I don't use public transport or go to the supermarket so won't be needing one in a hurry. If they become mandatory I'll stop going to the corner shop (I go very rarely anyway and the novelty of masks seems to have worn off for Staff and customers).

Work have said we'll have to wear a mask when we return to the office but they can supply them, I'm not.

[vanillandhoney]

I don't have one as I have ASD and serious sensory issues about having anything over my mouth and nose. It makes me panic and go dizzy. I also feel sick.

I do own neck buffs but won't wear one by choice. I'd rather stay home.

[indemMUND]

I went to the supermarket yesterday without one on. While waiting to exit an aisle (social distancing) I watched as a bloke shoved his trolley quickly in front of mine so he could ask the employee unloading at the end an obviously pressing question. Do the different sized Budweiser crates in his trolley count as mix and match?! Reader, the man was wearing a tiny mask that only covered his mouth. Nose sticking right out, no gloves. And as he was speaking he touched his nose, then his mask and put his hand back on the trolley handle.

[CoffeeRunner]

B&M here are selling what we call “surgical masks” at work (hospital ward).

What I see a lot of in this area are beautifully knitted/crocheted masks. Unless you’re planning on using an effective liner - or a surgical mask underneath - please just be aware these masks are useless.

I have masks for my family. But as we have all tested positive for Covid & now recovered I can’t see why we need them. Can’t catch it again, theoretically can’t pass it to others.

[Bowerbird5]

My friend wore one when she went to support one of her clients in A&E as she had had to call an ambulance for his wife. A&E was fairly busy. Not one person was wearing a mask not even the staff!

I haven't got one yet because I live rurally. I don't do the shopping. We have some delivered and supermarket click and collect once a month.
I am planning to make some now I have found my sewing machine.

[Bowerbird5]

Oh and I am not allowed to wear one if I go back to work.

[TimeWastingButFun]

It's good to have them anyway in case you do need to go into a shop or unexpectedly onto public transport. I bought about 20 soft stretchy fabric ones and use one each time I go out, with a piece of strong kitchen roll folded in half then in 3, so it's about the same size as the mask part on the nose/mouth.

[Kokeshi123]

You should still own masks.

You can't always avoid getting into a crowded place when you are out in a public area, esp as places get busier and busier. You mention that you "try" to get shopping delivered but it sounds like you are still going into shops sometimes. Shops are also getting busier. You also might have to do to a doctor's office or hospital.

[Waxonwaxoff0]

I don't wear one in the shops and I go to the shops twice a week.

[LovingLen]

I would just wear a scarf if I had to, any face covering will do, I haven’t had to wear one yet though as it is only mandatory on public transport which I don’t use

[Oysterbabe]

I don't have one. I don't use public transport.

[Incrediblytired]

Not having one isn’t uncommon.

The government have advised wearing masks in shops and crowded places. They are bringing in a rule that they must be worn for any health appointments.

I think it’s rude and disrespectful to not wear one in public places indoors - as it’s about protecting other people who might be more vulnerable than yourself.

[megletthesecond]

Yabu.
You will need one at some point. A reusable fabric one will suffice.

[vanillandhoney]

I think it’s rude and disrespectful to not wear one in public places indoors - as it’s about protecting other people who might be more vulnerable than yourself.

What about if people have ASD or other problems that mean they physically struggle to wear a mask without having panic attacks or similar? Does refusing to wear something that will make you unwell make you selfish?

I do agree that if you don't have any problems then you should probably wear one in crowded places but not all problems are visible. I look totally "normal" and like I could handle wearing a mask but in reality there is no way I could have something over my nose, mouth and face like that without having a severe anxiety attack.