To think more people would be willing to wear masks if...

[Lovely1a2b3c]

they thought that masks protected them from others (rather than vice versa- which they do to a limited extent) AND that Covid-19 posed a personal risk?

Masks protect both the wearer and those they are around. In addition if everyone wears them then we are all protecting each other. There are probably a limited number of people who genuinely cannot wear masks for medical reasons but some countries have a very high compliance.

I think that if the government had said that masks protected people from the beginning rather than saying that they only protect other people AND if people realised that even 20/30 somethings can be very ill (not necessarily die in most cases, but definitely suffer a prolonged period of feeling really unwell) then more Brits would be willing to wear them.

@LangClegsInSpace thank you for taking the time to give that information - I have to admit that it's all beyond my understanding. I did hear an opinion recently that if you give 10 scientists the same information you will get at least 5 different analysis of that information! The same goes for accountants and doctors and any other profession I suppose so someone like me asking for one simple explanation of why this is all necessary is impossible

But thank you again x