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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Masks in cinemas

93 replies

Sossen · 02/08/2020 08:48

AIBU to think that this is ridiculous? I’m a regular visitor to my local cinema, or at least I was before covid, and I was looking forward to going next week as I’ve booked a week off work. Then I heard about yet another new rule being introduced stating masks must be worn. You’re expected to sit for 2-3 hours with a mask on, so I assume you can’t eat or drink whilst there as you would obviously need to touch your mask to remove it. Am I the only one who thinks this will just suck the fun out of going in the first place and make it a rather miserable experience?

OP posts:
Summer41 · 02/08/2020 09:19

Are you sure you have to wear the mask during the film? I live in Scotland and we have to wear our mask until we are seated then we can remove it, stuff our faces during the film then put the mask back on at the end when we leave.

Original poster
Sossen · 02/08/2020 09:19

Whilst I’m not usually one for believing in conspiracy theories, I don’t trust our government one little bit and suspect they have embellished slightly on what the science actually says to suit themselves and make us all comply.

OP posts:
vanillandhoney · 02/08/2020 09:19

You don't need to eat and drink to go to the cinema, though. Just go and wear your mask - you won't expire just because you can't eat or drink for a couple of hours.

If you don't want to go, then don't. I really struggle to breathe in my mask (sensory issues due to autism) so only where it when it's absolutely necessary and for as short an amount of time as possible.

I'll just watch movies at home. It's cheaper and more comfortable anyway!

okiedokieme · 02/08/2020 09:20

Top tip - large bucket of popcorn, problem solved Grin. Seriously it's to protect us and try and avoid things having to close so it's worth the discomfort

aLilNonnyMouse · 02/08/2020 09:20

Blame the virus. It's not like it knows to hang back for a while so it doesn't cramp your style.

vanillandhoney · 02/08/2020 09:20

@Sossen

Whilst I’m not usually one for believing in conspiracy theories, I don’t trust our government one little bit and suspect they have embellished slightly on what the science actually says to suit themselves and make us all comply.
Then why does practically every other country in the world require a mask?

Or are we all part of some "mass conspiracy"? Hmm

Stellakent · 02/08/2020 09:21

I agree with you OP. I was really looking forward to going to the cinema but I won't bother if I have to wear a mask. I love watching a film on a big screen but given the choice of big screen+mask or tv+no mask, I'll stay at home.

HandsOffMyRights · 02/08/2020 09:21

@Ricekrispie22

I haven’t got the knack of wearing a mask without my glasses fogging up, and I need glasses for the cinema. So that’s me out.
Ditto!
Original poster
Sossen · 02/08/2020 09:21

I can certainly go 2-3 hours without eating but I can’t go without drinking for that amount of time no, especially if I’m wearing a mask as they make my mouth very dry.

OP posts:
sonicbook · 02/08/2020 09:22

, but as someone who believes that masks actually do bugger all I’m a little frustrated.

What's belief got to do with anything?

CatandtheFiddle · 02/08/2020 09:22

Whilst I’m not usually one for believing in conspiracy theories, I don’t trust our government one little bit and suspect they have embellished slightly on what the science actually says to suit themselves and make us all comply.

Oh FFS.

Listen to the medicos and scientists. Read Erin Bromage's blog if you need to have confirmation of the efficacy of mask wearing in public indoor spaces.

Or wear a tin foil hat ...

Topseyt · 02/08/2020 09:23

I do wear glasses too, and they steam up with a mask on.

I have a well fitted mask which I put them on top of, which I was assured would solve the issue. They still steam up. I won't do stupid stuff like putting washing up liquid on the lenses to stop it because that can cause damage to the expensive coatings.

If I really wanted to go and see something then I would go into the cinema in my mask, wait until the lights were out for the performance to start and then surreptitiously drop it down under my chin.

In all likelihood though, I just won't go.

Original poster
Sossen · 02/08/2020 09:24

Just like you do I also have the right to believe what I like. I’m complying with wearing a mask in shops but yes, I’m a little frustrated, like I expect lots of people are.

OP posts:
Strawberrypancakes · 02/08/2020 09:25

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MarcelineMissouri · 02/08/2020 09:26

The full guidelines have not been released yet but what is available says that it is ok to remove your mask to eat and drink. A number of other countries ask you to wear a mask while moving around the cinema but you may leave it off once you’re seated - I hope that that will be the case here as well.

crikeycrumbsblimey · 02/08/2020 09:30

Cinema without people eating loud fucking snacks for hours sound great to me.

& just educate yourself will you

edwinbear · 02/08/2020 09:30

I went to Bluewater yesterday to get some stuff for DS’s upcoming birthday. I wore a mask the whole 4 hrs I was there. It was a bit annoying sure, but I did it because I’d chosen to go and that’s what I had to do.

I can manage to not eat or drink for 2-3hrs. If I wanted to go to the cinema more than I didn’t want to wear a mask, I’d suck it up. We’re all having to comply with rules we don’t much like, but understand. YABU.

TheMumblesofMumbledom · 02/08/2020 09:31

@Sossen

Whilst I’m not usually one for believing in conspiracy theories, I don’t trust our government one little bit and suspect they have embellished slightly on what the science actually says to suit themselves and make us all comply.
😂But you don't believe in conspiracy theories?

If all food and drink had been removed from cinemas and masks had to be worn from entry to exit, I'd have been more likely to go. All this shovelling food in whilst watching a film is just so bloody irritating.

ScarletZebra · 02/08/2020 09:32

I won't be going to the cinema if you have to wear a mask either OP. I wear one to the shops and my glasses steam up, then I get hot and claustrophobic, so it wouldn't be an enjoyable experience.

MagicSummer · 02/08/2020 09:35

I think it's a great idea. I hate the noise and smells which emanate from people filling their faces with yet more food at the cinema. That, and the ridiculously high level of the soundtrack, is the reason I never go.

Brightyellow · 02/08/2020 09:35

I agree with you. I love the cinema and really miss it but wouldn’t want to wear a mask for two or three hours. If this is the way of the world now maybe I will get used to it but at the moment I find them uncomfortable unless for just a short period like going round the supermarket.

ThisIsNotARealAvo · 02/08/2020 09:36

I probably won't go anywhere like that if I have to wear a mask because I am not paying to watch a film and feel uncomfortable. It's not forever so I'll prob wait until we are not required to wear masks. I will wear one in shops of course or anywhere I have to go but if it's an optional place like a cinema I prob won't bother.

I personally think that the mask wearing will be quickly binned off if it turns out that fewer people are spending money in these places as they are put off by having to wear a mask.

OddBoots · 02/08/2020 09:39

@Sossen

Whilst I’m not usually one for believing in conspiracy theories, I don’t trust our government one little bit and suspect they have embellished slightly on what the science actually says to suit themselves and make us all comply.
That is an interesting theory, how do you think the government benefit from people wearing face coverings in enclosed public spaces?
daisypond · 02/08/2020 09:40

I am more than fine with wearing a mask for two or three hours. I wear glasses too. I would be shocked if they didn’t have a mask rule. It would stop me going if that rule wasn’t in place. And great if there’s no eating or drinking either. Win-win.

CatandtheFiddle · 02/08/2020 09:44

It would stop me going if that rule wasn’t in place. And great if there’s no eating or drinking either. Win-win.

Indeed.

I cant believe the self-centredness and lack of care for others tat is connected with mask-wearing. It's no big deal & certainly better than passing on a terrible disease.

Besides, it's not compulsory to go to the cinema.