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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

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

999 replies

NiknicK · 14/07/2020 04:40

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?

OP posts:
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TokyoSushi · 14/07/2020 11:48

I think it's fine, I already have two (homemade by different friends with better sewing skills) so I've had a try at home, they're a bit hot, and a bit weird, but I've no problem with wearing them, DD is looking forward to wearing hers too!

Xenia · 14/07/2020 11:48

I expect you won't have to if it is like the current train regs - no requirement to wear them including if they cause you extreme distress. However what will be needed is some kind of badge or T shirt you make yourself to say you are exempt so other shoppers don't turn on you I suppose. it will be interesting to see how it plays out.

ActuallyItsEugene · 14/07/2020 11:52

Due to DV, I suffer hugely with having my nose, mouth and face restricted. I feel sick to my stomach. I start sweating, shaking and can feel myself gasping for air. It's psychological, but it doesn't make it any easier to deal with.

I also wear glasses. I've tried a mask with wire by the nose but they still steam up, even when moulded across the bridge.

Hate the bloody things. I will not be able to go shopping at all when they're compulsory, meaning I'm taking up an online shopping slot and that I'll be cooped up indoors 24/7 again. My mental health is already suffering.

Whichoneofyoudidthat · 14/07/2020 11:52

The kids wear them at my school (in HK). It was accepted as a necessary part of reopening. The earth didn’t end.

MinesaBottle · 14/07/2020 11:56

If some people put as much effort into making sure they and others are safe as they do into trying to justify why they shouldn’t need to follow the rules, we’d probably have got it under control ages ago Hmm

Thewindofmysoul · 14/07/2020 11:57

@ActuallyItsEugene yes glasses are a pain. They steam up constantly so I find I have to breathe a certain way and also mine fall off if I look down. Have to shop lower shelves by squatting down as if I just look down they’re gone! It’s definitely an adjustment and not a fun one but has to be done unfortunately.

justkeepgoing1188 · 14/07/2020 11:58

Mandatory in Scotland already. Not comfortable but it's what has to be done. I have an autistic child who rarely enters a shop (and wears glasses which is obviously annoying when they keep steaming up!) but is fine about the masks as I got a fabric one online which had her pictures of her current 'special interest' so she's ok with it. She is quite OCD about health though. If your child cannot wear one you can get an exemption card or if you don;t ned to take them, don't.

Also have a preschooler who I HAVE to take to the shops with me as a single mother and I got a matching cloth facemasks for her and her teddy bear she takes with her.

No one is enjoying it and I absolutely understand those who aren't able to for disability or health reasons. You either have the choice of getting an exemption card or you let your OH do the shopping. We have all had to go through this, it's not fun but it has to happen....I do agree we should have been doing it sooner like other countries but we're doing it now when things are getting opened up again.

Quarantimespringclean · 14/07/2020 11:59

I think it’s likely that in 25 years time our kids and grandkids will look back and marvel that we used to go out without masks. Just like young people today are amazed that doctors used to smoke in their surgeries and cars didn’t have seatbelts.

ExtremelyBoldSquirrels · 14/07/2020 12:00

@Quarantimespringclean

I think it’s likely that in 25 years time our kids and grandkids will look back and marvel that we used to go out without masks. Just like young people today are amazed that doctors used to smoke in their surgeries and cars didn’t have seatbelts.
That is a truly depressing prospect. A continuing would of people with their faces covered.
Itisbetter · 14/07/2020 12:01

Hate the bloody things. I will not be able to go shopping at all when they're compulsory, meaning I'm taking up an online shopping slot and that I'll be cooped up indoors 24/7 again. My mental health is already suffering. You will be using an on line shopping slot because you cannot go shopping. That’s what they are for. You can go outside and to open air places, you do NOT need to stay indoors. You have trauma and need more support, others wearing masks and following guidelines will keep you safer.

peasaregood · 14/07/2020 12:02

Why don’t you want the children wearing masks in school particularly
because it's frigging pointless and unpleasant

Porcupineinwaiting · 14/07/2020 12:03

I'd love it if my kids secondary made wearing a face covering compulsary (for those that can ). It would make them less likely to catch it again and the rest of the family a lot safer.

Itisbetter · 14/07/2020 12:05

because it's frigging pointless and unpleasant Can you explain? Surely the “point” is obvious and I’m not sure what you find insurmountable unpleasant?

ActuallyItsEugene · 14/07/2020 12:05

@Thewindofmysoul Oh yes, can't forget them falling off either!
Even just walking with your head down means saying goodbye to the specs.

Itisbetter · 14/07/2020 12:06

Me too @Porcupineinwaiting but I think it’s important to understand what the objections are.

peasaregood · 14/07/2020 12:07

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2020iscancelled · 14/07/2020 12:07

Don’t want to wear a mask then don’t - but don’t expect to have free access to public places. Simple as that really.

There will be exceptions and that’s quite right but like the general herd immunity theory - if the majority follow the rule then we can protect those who can’t.

Ffs why does anyone who can wear them have an issue with it. It’s beyond me. “Oh they make me
Itchy” - yeah well Covid makes you dead.

ktp100 · 14/07/2020 12:09

You are not special. Nobody enjoys wearing a mask. Get the fuck over it, FFS.

Selfish is DEFINITELY the right word for this ridiculous stance.

merrymouse · 14/07/2020 12:09

because it's frigging pointless and unpleasant

The point is to slow the spread of the virus so that, among other things, children can return to school.

If infection rates fall because people wear masks in shops, it makes it less likely that children will have to wear masks to go to school.

peasaregood · 14/07/2020 12:09

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ActuallyItsEugene · 14/07/2020 12:09

@Itisbetter

I'm currently trying to access psychological support. The GP will only allow me a phone appointment and has sent for a referral but, unfortunately, the waiting list in my area is 18 months+.

My anxiety is quite high, I have a feeling that if I were to walk around the park without a mask I'd have a police officer coming over to fine me.

It's completely my problem, my hurdle to overcome. It just doesn't make it any easier.

SusieOwl4 · 14/07/2020 12:10

Firstly it was W.H.O who advised against face coverings . One because they felt science fir them was not proven . Secondly because there was a worldwide shortage of PPE so they decided keep what there was for the frontline services. Also we were on lockdown so many were not going out even for shopping .

Secondly when WHO changed their advice and we started going out the government changed advice accordingly and advised face coverings .

Unfortunately many people have chosen to ignore the advice and now we are opening up more. And more shops then personally I am glad it’s becoming compulsory because it reduces the risk for everyone . And I guess they think people will feel a bit more relaxed about going out .

I have found a good snood type mask that has a shielded coating on it which is comfortable and does not make my glasses steam up .

Please do not get complacent I saw family members recently and I can’t tell you how tempting it was to have a big cuddle . But we maintained SD.A week later I found out one of them had been in contact with someone who had tested positive. Just shows you .

Porcupineinwaiting · 14/07/2020 12:10

peasaregood oh do share your research with us and the rest of the world where mask wearing is the norm

Ketchup90 · 14/07/2020 12:10

It’s easy.
Wear the bit of fabric for that little time in the shop. No ones asking you to wear it 24/7.

It’s mandatory in Scotland, and most are complying and not bitching as greatly.

I’ve worn mine since lockdown. We can also bitch about how long it took for Boris to say, but no one needed permission to do their bit.

TheMumblesofMumbledom · 14/07/2020 12:11

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