Face masks. To feel that we have all been through enough....

[NiknicK]

And shouldn’t have to wear face masks if we don’t want to. I know it’s not officially been confirmed yet, but it’s expected to be today, and I don’t get it. If face masks truly help prevent the spreading of the virus, then why on earth wasn’t it made compulsory at the beginning of this pandemic, why now? I know you’ll all likely call me selfish but I can’t do it. I have to wear a mask for ten minutes once or twice month to collect mine and dh’s medication and I find it unbearable even for that small amount of time. They make my face itch and make me want to touch my face more, I can’t breathe properly and get panicky, they slide up as they’re too big for my face and hit my eye lids. My ds is autistic and I suspect I have some traits eg sensory issues, and the thought of having to wear these masks when I find shopping stressful enough as it is, fills me with dread. AIBU?

If you wear glasses ensure you squeeze the nose tightener to stop steaming up.

That is a shameful response, @JSW642.

[quote GarlicMonkey]Disability horizons have a really good mask exemption lanyard + card. It can be seen at a distance & is really clear. I keep it in my bag & while we do try to mask up, if my ASD son starts having issues I can quickly whip his mask off & put that round his neck.

shop.disabilityhorizons.com/products/ppe/mask-exemption-travel-card-lanyard-or-clip-badge/[/quote]
This is the one that I meant to quote!

So basically anyone can but these self certified Is can’t wear a mask’ lanyards and cards. I could buy them right now and there is absolutely nothing wrong with me!

Should ONLY be available via GP

I despair too.

I'm old, and I want to know when it was exactly that we became a nation of whingers. Because it never used to be as bad as this.

YABVU and selfish. Nobody likes wearing them, I wore one for four hours yesterday and will likely have to wear one at work 2 days a week

We wear them to protect others, part of that act is conformance so that it becomes the norm.

As PP, if you don’t like it stay in.

@lilgreen

By September they’ll probably be no queuing outside stores, so if that happens the crowds will return and you’ll be glad of a mask!

exactly, some supermarkets are relaxing their rules already. it feels better to do my bit and I am pleased they are making this mandatory. there has been far too much resistance.

I’m wearing a mask to walk my dog because that is the law where I live @JSW642 - when we’re outside of the house we wear a mask unless we are under 5 or eating/drinking or doing “vigorous exercise”. I walk her around a busy lake where there are plenty of other people. I am happy to comply with the law if the authorities here think it helps.

I agree that this will likely be the death of the high street. Amazon must be delighted

I rather suspect the lilies who ‘cant’ wear a mask will manage. There are very few people who genuinely can’t wear one - people awaiting lung transplants often wear them; they’re a bit warm, sometimes they can rub your ears a little bit. Hardly end of world discomfort.

Stop making excuses and get on with finding or making a nice one. Big Bloomers are doing very soft ones. Bombshell UK are doing very pretty ones. It takes about five minutes to make a reusable one. Wear a scarf instead, if you want. It’s all just a spoiled ‘I don’t want to’ culture.

Yes very occasionally a teenager with SEN may be unable to be persuaded but most can be persuaded into shoes, which are a whole lot harder and less comfortable. Plenty of options not to shop, if you don’t want to.

I wonder if there is a correlation between Brexit voting and refusal to wear masks?

Other countries where mask wearing is mandatory still go out shopping, why is England special?

@melonslicexx

Well if kids don't need to wear them in shops then it defeats the object anyway. Millions of kids not wearing them but millions of adults are. Plenty of kids go shopping with their parents!

I think children have been shown to be less of a carrier so thats why, so wont defeat the object, i would if u would have been so against wearing a gass mask or going to a shelter when the air raid siren was going off? As the government would have been asking us to do that too.

‘Why aren’t people who work in retail getting it?!! ‘

Are you for fucking real?

**i wonder if....

Thank you for all you are doing, @PeppaPigMakesMeGrrrrr. I’m sorry that there are so many selfish and ignorant responses to basic safety on this thread. It must be pretty surreal after all you and your colleagues have seen and endured.

I’ve walked into supermarkets wearing them since they got busier (at the start they were c quiet and spaced out) but DH says no to his. I asked him this morning and he says of course if he has to wear it he will!! Ejit. If it makes shots like my DH wear it, it’s all good.

Will this be extended to other inside places too? What is it about shopping that passes the infection on more than going to the gym, office, pub, cafe, peoples houses, schools etc?

Other countries where mask wearing is mandatory still go out shopping, why is England special?

I would like to know this too.

Ah well @theairbender if I lived in a busy area I'd wear one too. I live beside remote deserted beaches and woodland so the image of someone wearing a mask to walk a dog seemed ridiculous but that was me picturing my own local area. Probably why Scotland dont have to wear one outdoors.

Ejits not shots

I rather suspect the lilies who ‘cant’ wear a mask will manage. There are very few people who genuinely can’t wear one - people awaiting lung transplants often wear them; they’re a bit warm, sometimes they can rub your ears a little bit. Hardly end of world discomfort

Oh FFS. For reasons that are none of your business I have a full scale panic attack when somebody goes over my face. I have even had counselling for it, as trust me it’s not a nice way to live your life. It didn’t help. Doesn’t matter how soft it is.
Anyway it’s fine for me as I don’t actually have any reason to go anywhere that mandates them. I don’t use public transport and I’ll stay out of shops. My bank balance will thank me.
And I voted to remain.

Only if you also believe that most people are total whingers about something so simple @guineapig1- I’ve been putting off coming back to the UK for a holiday due to the lack or masks being worn, but I may well consider it (and have a good old shop up too) after 24 July. Loads of people will be way more confident to be out and about in a mask.

I understand your feelings about the masks OP and also how difficult autism is. Since lockdown I haven't even been in to any shops, my DH has done any shopping we've needed. I did have to wear a mask for a medical appointment and I found it really hard (psychologically I think) but also found I was constantly adjusting it and touching my face... it's just so strange. I don't handle change very well, but I have bought some reusable masks which I've tried on at home and they do honestly feel so much better than the paper ones. I'm going to try to get used to them so that myself and my family can start to go out more if we need to.

You haven't done anything wrong OP, you've followed all the rules up to now, and have openly said that if (when) mask wearing becomes compulsory, you won't go out. And that is absolutely your choice if that is what works better for you and your son. You are entitled to feel frustrated by the constantly changing advice. It's been such an unsettling time, and I know it's made my anxiety sky rocket.

‘why is England special?’

Not special. Just populated with selfish, whiny, don’t tell ME what to do/but the government didn’t tell ME what to do’ types who don’t give s shit about anybody but themselves.

Fuck me - it’s really the least we can do. All those people clapping for carers can put that gratitude into action and wear a mask.

Winter is going to be hellish unless we take some of these measures.

Cop on OP.

Grow up and wear a mask.