to suggest NOT wearing masks, but instead wearing . . .

[Durgasarrow]

the charmingly named Neck Gaitors? They have been my all-purpose solution to the Great Mask Dilemma of 2020. They're washable, lightweight, stylish, useful, versatile, you can wear them as a scarf and pull them up as needed, or as a hairband or even a bracelet if it's too constricting to keep it around your neck. They're cheap to order from Amazon by the half dozen--they have seriously helped me keep my sanity.

I don't get to decide for others if their level of distress qualifies as an exemption, I should say.
Nor if the reasons for another's distress are valid.

I take back what I said about you havering towards the exact thing you were speaking out against.

I'm now flat out saying that you're doing it.

@randomer

I am curious if your comments about masks as a deflection attempt only relates to the UK ( I agree about the UK govt poor handling of the pandemic). General public use of non-medical masks ( or face coverings) have been recommended by international bodies since April.

Is your concern that now in the UK it's too little too late?

I think an abaya/niqab combo would solve all my problems, don’t have to worry about the messy hair, at a push I might do eyemake up, no need to panic if I’m behind on laundry and following government face covering guidelines. Seems like a win win to me

People can read, Plimpy. They can scroll up and read your previous posts where it's very clear what you were suggesting.

Tell you what, why don't you go over to that other thread and share your wonderful offer of 'solidarity' with the posters there. See how that goes down.

Instead of smiling at staff, I've taken up making a royal wave, à la Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, upon my entrance and exit from a supermarket.

@randomer

I cannot for the life of me see any connection between the surgeon in a face mask and the hot and bothered fed up shopper.

The mask in the first case is part of a uniform backed by years of research. The second case is some spurious, ill thought out attempt to deflect attention from the chaotic handling of a Pandemic.

There's not that much of connection, no. One is performing life saving surgery on another human being and the other is just... shopping 🛍 🛍 🛍 I know which activity would make me more hot and bothered.

I take back what I said about you havering towards the exact thing you were speaking out against.

What do you think I was speaking out against?

I use my seasalt buffs too. I always had one in my pocket before anyway, in case my neck got cold.

I have made a variety of masks for dh and adult son from old shirt sleeves .
They like design and they are boilable .

Dc and I have been using these since before they were mandatory- in Scotland so a few weeks now. They are just as good as any of the non medical masks and we are after all just being asked to wear a face covering not a medical mask - hospitals/care homes etc still need those. Mine are loose but I place it over my face then get the fabric from the back at the bottom and fold it up so it sits high at the back of our heads. It creates a twist and fits perfectly without slipping! And how to take it off without taking it over your head ... errr I don't I just take it over my head, why wouldn't I? I pop a clean one on in the morning so it's never forgetten when we get to shops

Sick of all the nastiness in the IK over masks. Wear one if you can. Here’s an alternative. Don’t be nasty to other people. Is that too much to ask? Clearly it is hit some 😞

@Plimpy

Could you discuss the evidence you have for the fact that masks are "bullshit"? The international body of evidence that most countries have relied upon ( CDC, WHO, John's Hopkins, The Lancet etc) demonstrate that public use of non medical face coverings are effective in combating the spread of this (& other) respiratory infectious diseases.

Eww, they fugly

Anything that covers both mouth and nose is better than nothing.

If it stops people spreading moisture droplets across fruit and veg displays in the grocers...hey ho go for it! Lets all be safe as possible and have a little care for others.
We're not just doing this for ourselves but hopefully to reduce the likelihood of further localised lockdowns. Businesses can't take much more.

@GinDaddyRedux because people don't like being told what to do even if it saves lives.

It's pure entitlement. God forbid they should be inconvenienced in any way.

not aimed at special needs or underlying health issues

@YetAnotherSpartacus not sure if you were answered but they’re called virustatic

Ugh...made in China. Avoiding Chinese goods like the "plague atm"

i woud do an understand why some people have them instead of masks but cant stand things around my neck

Yes. I plan these for winter months

There is a problem with these is that pulling over the head means that you have the potential of any viruses entering your eyes and any viruses spreading over the rest of your face It is much easier and safer with a mask

This is a sales pitch. Bit low considering what's going on.

They look even hotter than regular masks.

Covid particles are 0.1 microns. Very few masks prevent it spreading. Even medical ones are for 0.3 and above. I think these neck gaitors are awful. Especially for the summer. Masks are only worn because people feel fear of being "shamed".

People can read, Plimpy. They can scroll up and read your previous posts where it's very clear what you were suggesting

Yes, I'm suggesting that being extremely upset about what's happening to others causes extreme distress. If you think it's all for nothing too, that violates your principles. If capitulating to something you know causes others immense distress in turn causes your own distress - then you are exempt. Violating your own principles can cause extreme distress. This is one of the reasons for my distress.

You don't get to decide if that qualifies as your definition. For me, or for anyone else. I'm on that other thread And I'd love for everyone to tell the government to shove it.

Could you discuss the evidence you have for the fact that masks are "bullshit"?

It's all upthread