To mask or not to mask

[coffeewithmilk]

This thread might have some divided opinions

I have been wearing a face covering whenever I go into a shop or enclosed space where I cannot social distance - for example: went to IKEA this morning and put my mask on. I'm really shocked at the amount of people not wearing one.
I would have thought with everything that has happened the last few months that people would be inclined to wear a mask, but it's almost like nothing has happened... and feel like I even get some strange looks when I am wearing one.

Just for context: I'm not in the UK. Currently in ROI.

Do people think they are superior and won't catch anything so they don't bother putting one on?

AIBU with this?

I've been wearing one any time I'm inside a shop etc, had quite a few funny looks. With obvious exceptions for people who cannot wear one for MH/sensory issues which I completely understand, I think people are just fucking selfish and unwilling to make changes to their routine.

And this nonsense about 'not being able to breathe properly while wearing them' as a get out clause is ridiculous. How do we think surgeons manage to stay alive the whole time they're operating? What about the millions of people in countries like China, where they regularly wear masks outdoors?

I thought Florida opened up a lot faster than California and California opened up crazy faster than UK has. I don't think visiting each other in private homes was ever banned in California, either.

California was one of the first states to lock down strictly.
abc7news.com/california-stay-at-home-lockdown-governor-orders-ca/6032237/

"California ordered nearly all residents to stay home and limit social interaction until further notice to try to slow the spread of COVID-19. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the statewide order on March 19."

"At first, everyone was required to stay home except to get food, care for a relative or friend, get necessary health care, or go to an essential job. Starting in May, state and local officials began to slowly roll back some restrictions."

@GetOffYourHighHorse

'have severe PTSD after being forced into a full mask in a violent sexual assault. now leave me a lone.'

Apologies.

As I said there are of course exemptions

I am talking about those that choose not to.

thank you for the apology

So lets not pretend its about protecting the vulnerable shall we. Lets stop being disingenuous.

Its about getting out there and spending. Its about being able to go to the pub. Its about being able to go on holiday and EVERYONE wearing masks speeds that up.

Yes, obviously the government doesn't give 2 shits about our most vulnerable and it's about getting the economy kick started again and that is going to happen regardless, so let's protect the most vulnerable as best we can during that.

If you medically can, wear a mask.

@EnthusiasmIsDisturbed

Oh ok then masks are mandatory for all except MaudesMum

Thanks!! What I was trying to say was that many of us don't live in crowded urban environments, so are lucky enough not to spend significant periods of time in shops within two metres of others.

ah, Maybe my relatives didn't understand... they seemed baffled when I said we weren't allowed to visit each other in private homes. Or maybe they meant "What!? We were allowed to do that months ago!"

Also... Root canals, restaurant sit down meals, parties, purchasing mobile phones-fridges-new TVs in store, back to University for in person teaching -- since April, really. Meanwhile, Californians tut-tut Floridians for opening up too fast.

'What about the millions of people in countries like China, where they regularly wear masks outdoors?'

It's just a cultural change. It will be commonplace soon, people will feel more out of place if they aren't wearing one than if they are. There does seem to be a slow shift as people are venturing out more.

@ tigger001

In the UK (England and Scotland at least) wearing a face mask as first spotted on Boris Just yesterday for the first time publicly (who recently nearly paid the ultimate Covid price when fudging whether masks helped or not) is indeed about trying to slowly move on and reopen and boost the English economy. However for many overseas nations wearing face masks as you would your glasses or watch etc is as much about keeping down Covid fatalities as with a combination of other Covid mitigation measures.

Agreed GetOff - I think (hope) it will become the norm, but that will require the government to make it mandatory for now I think. And I imagine we'll have our own spate of embarrassing public meltdowns from people who hate being told what to do a la the videos from Americans smashing shops up and rage-crying because they've been asked to wear one. I really feel for hospitality and retail staff if/when masks are made compulsory, it's them that will bear the brunt of the idiocy.

Also... Root canals, restaurant sit down meals, parties, purchasing mobile phones-fridges-new TVs in store, back to University for in person teaching -- since April, really. Meanwhile, Californians tut-tut Floridians for opening up too fast.

Quite - and now they're having to backtrack and re-close everything. I do worry that the UK will end up in a similar situation but hopefully not.

It's just a cultural change. It will be commonplace soon, people will feel more out of place if they aren't wearing one than if they are. There does seem to be a slow shift as people are venturing out more.

That's where we're getting to in my state. The governor said everyone had to do it, but a lot of the shops etc didn't really force it. Then the governor made it really crystal clear that masks had to be worn, and that stores would be required to enforce it. I went to Walmart a few days later and the one person not wearing a mask stood out, whereas a few weeks ago it would have been four or five people not wearing masks.

There was also a survey done recently where people were asked whether they would be more likely to patronise businesses that were enforcing mask-wearing vs businesses that were not. The vast majority wanted shops to enforce it. I think the businesses paid attention to that too.

Scotland are pursuing a policy of elimination of the virus. They are not opening as recklessly as England.

It's a small thing that makes a big difference. Wear a mask unless you absolutely can't.

It's tough to eliminate a virus when you have an open border with a country that isn't trying to eliminate it...

www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/11/with-120-countries-making-masks-compulsory-in-public-shouldnt-england

'Scotland are pursuing a policy of elimination of the virus. They are not opening as recklessly as England.'

Ah right, England isnt pursuing a policy of eliminating the virus. Of course Nicola.

It is hardly 'reckless' I think you'll find it's what the rest of the world is doing, opening up slowly.

Speaking for myself, the government has told me that, as a teacher, I can spend an hour in close contact with 30 people x 5, 5 days a week without any of us needing a mask.
Like fuck will I wear one anywhere else if it’s safe to do that. If it isn’t safe to do that they need to address the issue.

If a fart goes through jeans, how is a piece of cloth going to stop Covid?

@cardibach

Speaking for myself, the government has told me that, as a teacher, I can spend an hour in close contact with 30 people x 5, 5 days a week without any of us needing a mask. Like fuck will I wear one anywhere else if it’s safe to do that. If it isn’t safe to do that they need to address the issue.

Came on to say similar. But then school staff will be accused of not wanting to work. Even though so many of us have been working everyday. Or even better that we think we are special.

@AlwaysCheddar

If a fart goes through jeans, how is a piece of cloth going to stop Covid?

If you sharted in jeans the material would stop the shart from firing out behind you like a fountain, covering passersby in runny poo.

Masks prevent the liquid droplets from your mouth and nose being expelled into the air. It's the same principle.

Here in Scotland it became mandatory to wear a mask in shops from yesterday. It actually looks strange already to see someone not wearing a mask and that’s only 2 days in. Think it will become second nature to those that can wear them. I do think they need something visible like a wrist band for those that are expempt as I can see trouble ahead.

@byvirtue Nobody should be forced to wear anything they are not comfortable with for whatever reason.

What like seatbelts? or crash helmets? or underpants and trousers? Can i go to the shops dressed like Donald Duck does (wears a top, no bottoms) because i find it more comfortable?

Sorry I don’t know why that posted twice.

It couldn’t be clearer from our infection and death rates and cautious approach that we are doing much better than England. Of course she can’t close the border but it doesn’t mean she’s wrong to try to be if the virus to the lowest possible level of infection to try and keep outbreaks manageable. Better than assuming there will be a second wave due to government recklessness.

And no I am not Nicola, I don’t particularly like her and can’t abide the SNP but given how low our cases and deaths are now she’s doing a half decent job.

Be if - try to keep

Hallelujah! The orange trumpanzee has eaten his hat! If even he wears one what is stopping you?