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?

It isn't anything like comparing to someone in a wheelchair. Someone unable to stand from their wheelchair wouldn't potentially make many other people ill, it would affect only them.

www.facebook.com/688675523/posts/10163894300405524/?d=n

I hope the link works

@CuppaZa thanks, that’s a good bit of info.

@Doggodogington

@3cats

I tried one of these masks today. It wasn't constrictive at all, but I do a lot of talking at work, so it was pretty steamed up by the end of the day. I'd recommend it though.

Am I missing something here - that doesn't cover the nose?

@Stellakent

Itisbetter why not? I had lunch in a pub last week and we were sitting at least 2 metres away from the nearest table. I've been in 2 pubs since lockdown and both have been table service only and I've had to give my name and phone number on entering. I didn't see anyone drunk and not social distancing, I just saw people eating and drinking with family or friends and having a nice time. And saving jobs and helping the economy recover, which is essential for saving lives. because eating and drinking from plates cups that are processed by people beyond your household, in a room with lots of non household people, for extended periods, isn’t ideal behaviour when a highly infectious virus is circulating in the general population. I don’t prioritise that experience in the same way others do. Outside is very different, as is bringing your own food/drink, and not sitting in enclosed spaces with strangers/outhouseholders (invented word)

I've just seen some utter fuckwit on a local Facebook page say that she would rather see local businesses close than go and shop in one wearing a mask. She doesn't see any she should and if they close it's not her problem. How does someone even get to be like that?

people become irrational when they are shocked and fearful, people resist change, when we get to a tipping point and mask wearing is the norm people will comply

@WutheringTights

Are you a bit dim? When I said I genuinely didn't do any of those things I meant it. Coming back at me with someone in a lift infecting 71 people has nothing to do with me. I haven't got the virus, difficult to catch if you are were shielding and now socially distancing and not coming into contact with others.

I didn't ride in a lift, I didn't visit a supermarket, I haven't been to a pub. I walk along the beach on my own with my dog more than 2m apart so me wearing a mask with make zero difference.

So @WutheringTights

I won't be wearing a mask to walk along a beach on my own with my dog. Seriously some of you are well over the top. Try reading what someone has written rather than guessing.... and for the third time I haven't been in a shop or supermarket and have no intentions of going in one. I do all my shopping online now!

I get what you’re saying but is no one else fed up of constantly being told what to do.

Precisely what they used to say about speed limits and drink driving when I was young.

@WhatamessIgotinto

Sorry I feel the same. I will shop online and will not venture into shops unless I absolutely have to. The Gov has mandated masks for shopping - I can exercise freedom of choice to chose to go to said shops or not. The choice to wear a mask (or not) has been taken away from me.

I’ll take any amount of being told what to do to avoid a lockdown (and not the pretend one we’ve had) and even more Covid related deaths.

OP, I agree with you. I've posted this before but I had an awful sinus infection which went on for months. It was extremely painful. I ended up receiving treatment from an ENT specialist.

I asked my doctor why he couldn't just take a swab and identify what was causing the infection and he told me that there is so much bacteria in people's noses it wouldn't be possible to choose any particular bacteria as a cause.

So now, we will be breathing out bacteria into a mask and breathing it back in, repeatedly! I will be only doing essential shopping from now on.
It also states clearly on the packaging that the masks do not protect against coronavirus, or other viruses.

@pigoons we live in a small village and the village shops and farm shop have kept everyone going throughout lockdown. They've delivered at all hours etc. This situation has hit them very hard and they are not alone - hundreds of small businesses across the country are the same. Are you honestly saying that you would rather these businesses closed and livliehoods lost because they have been told that their customers must wear a mask (that's what this woman said and you say you feel the same), just because you don't want to? I don't want to either, but I'll do it to support local businesses. How awful to not care about these people.

I find it so sad and real reflection on the society that we've become that anyone would think that.

Itisbetter I respect your view, but disagree. Whilst you are right that we need to be cautious about the virus I feel at this stage we have the opportunity to experience some normality again, being mindful of hygiene and social distance. I want to find a way to live with the virus, not have no life because of it.

Because the UK is a joke. No other reason

is anyone else glad that people too selfish to wear a mask (& no, I’m not talking about medical exemptions) are saying they’re going to be staying at home?

I will not be wearing one and I will not be shopping. I will use click and collect and continue to enjoy the breeze on my face in my local park.

Is there a material you can wear next to your skin that won't irritate you? I'm autistic and I have some sensory issues, but I wear a cloth mask or a scarf over my face.

I won't be going to any shops until this ridiculous rule is lifted.

Good. Because I suspect I have COVID - doctors say it's most likely viral, either COVID or something similar - and believe me, you don't want to get it because it fucking sucks. I miss being able to breathe without being in pain. I don't really understand why some of you are so cavalier about getting sick but it's your bodies, not mine, so not my problem.

Forgot to add: the masks are not to protect you from coronavirus, they are to protect other people from you. If that makes sense.

Well look on the bright side @Fosler. Maybe the coronavirus will kill off the bacteria when it gets into your sinuses.

VashtaNerada yes it's brilliant. They seem to think its a victory for them but we're all just relieved they're going to stay at home away from us