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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to say that if you won't wear masks and/or keep distance from others in public spaces you should stay at home

178 replies

CaptainMonkey · 26/08/2020 22:32

... and leave the rest of us to get on with the work of figuring out how to open up social spaces in a safe way without being distracted by your egocentric tedious freedom fighting? Why do you want to crowd people and breathe all over them anyway? If you don't want to be out and about without doing so, just stay at home. We've got enough to do right now and don't need your nonsense.

OP posts:
Bupkis · 27/08/2020 10:35

I thought there were fines for people who persistently refuse to wear a mask (with exceptions for age and people who are unable to wear one)?

user1497207191 · 27/08/2020 10:38

Our village butchers kept open right through the lockdown by taking phone orders and keeping the door locked. You knocked on the door and picked up the order through the gap.

When compulsory masks were introduced for shops, they re-opened properly with "masks must be worn" signs everywhere. Together with loads of signs saying "only two customers in the shop at a time" - it's a tiny typical village butchers shop.

They're now back to being closed and taking only phone orders again because so many self important / arrogant arseholes wouldn't wear masks in the shop and would still go in even if there were already 2 customers there. They say it's easier just keeping the door closed rather than having the stress of dealing with idiotic adults who can't read signs.

SantaClaritaDiet · 27/08/2020 10:38

I am not sure anyone has been given enough manpower or even instructions to issue fines - even the commuter trains don't bother checking.

We could issue heavy fine, we just chose not to. So people don't bother...

Bupkis · 27/08/2020 10:41

Well yes, I realise that fines woulsd rarely be pursued!
I was just querying the idea that it is ableist to suggest that people should be fined for not wearing a mask, unless they are exempt....when it is something that is already in place

cardibach · 27/08/2020 10:47

@Doccomplaint

It's high time we start fining people heavily when they refuse to wear a bloody mask.

How do you know I don’t have an exemption?

Disablist comment.

You aren’t refusing to wear one then are you? You don’t have to. So the poster doesn’t mean you and the comment isn’t disablist. Refusing≠being exempt.
Doccomplaint · 27/08/2020 10:48

I refuse to wear a mask because I have an exemption

cardibach · 27/08/2020 10:50

@Doccomplaint

I refuse to wear a mask because I have an exemption
That’s not a refusal. I refusal is when you could but you won’t. You aren’t able so aren’t being asked to do there’s nothing to refuse...
cardibach · 27/08/2020 10:52

@TheBusDriver

In Wales you don't need to wear a mask in public.

So what is different between Wales and England.

What’s different is a different government and therefore a different decision. Doesn’t mean they are right (or wrong, obviously).
CrunchyNutNC · 27/08/2020 10:56

The prickliness of some people who apparently have an exemption to mask wearing makes me wonder a bit about the validity of their exemption - they don't come across as terribly confident about it.

If I had a legitimate reason not to, and I was certain that I didn't need to wear one, i don't think I'd assume that digs about not wearing one were about me.

LouiseNW · 27/08/2020 10:57

CaptainMonkey

Not talking about people who can't wear a mask. Talking about the tedious berks who won't wear one because freedom or CaptainMonkey

Not talking about people who can't wear a mask. Talking about the tedious berks who won't wear one because freedom or whatever.”

Completely agree.

SaltyAndFresh · 27/08/2020 10:59

I just so worn down by the selfishness and rudeness. People are so hateful.

YANBU OP.

SantaClaritaDiet · 27/08/2020 10:59

I refuse to wear a mask because I have an exemption

Hmm

so even if you were "accepting" to wear one (as if it should be a choice...), you COULDN"T. So why are you arguing!

Bupkis · 27/08/2020 11:01

@Doccomplaint

I refuse to wear a mask because I have an exemption
As a pp pointed out, you aren't refusing as you are exempt!

The idea is that most people, in a public health crisis, should want to Do The Right Thing...which in this case is -

stay 2m apart where possible
Wear a mask (if you are able)
Maintain good hand hygiene

If you can't do those things (because of disability, for example, as opposed to just being an arse freedom fighter) then reasonable adjustments are made. Hopefully, because the majority of people, want to Do The Right Thing...then we don't, as a society, expect medical certificates etc...because a) that would be a massive faff b) it would be quite intrusive c) hopefully most people are understanding.

SantaClaritaDiet · 27/08/2020 11:02

@CrunchyNutNC

The prickliness of some people who apparently have an exemption to mask wearing makes me wonder a bit about the validity of their exemption - they don't come across as terribly confident about it.

If I had a legitimate reason not to, and I was certain that I didn't need to wear one, i don't think I'd assume that digs about not wearing one were about me.

Indeed

It's interesting to see how many people with so-called "exemptions" are miraculously absolutely ok in hospitals or other places, and how quickly the "exemptions" drop when a face covering protects YOU directly (for any reason) as opposed to protecting others...

It's a good test to see who is genuine, just hard to implement in real life Grin

Bollockingfuck · 27/08/2020 11:02

@Teal99

Teal99 I will keep my distance gladly, but wear a mask? No. If that is not enough, you stay at home. Me not wearing a mask and social distancing at the height of the pandemic was enough, now a mask is a placebo for those who have caught The Fear. 

Beyond selfish.

I have been called worse!! I am not at all bothered by the panickers amongs us feeling unprotected. That is their problem. I have no fear of wearing a mask, I just won't go along with the madness. Instead of worrying about covid, worry about those people who have had their cancer ops delayed. Guy on This Morning as I type had his surgery halted and his diagnosis is dire now. Or the numbers of calls to domestic violence helplines or those ringing in to helplines about mental health.

Masks are just one more thing to divide us. So many issues in recent years that have caused great division. We are all dealing things in the best way we can, but being nasty and telling people that they should have counselling because they are not mask compliant is wrong on many levels. People have their reasons why not, medical and from a sceptic point of view.

‘Panickers’? You mean people who are relying on the majority to wear masks now that shielding has stopped and they can finally pop out to get some groceries, after 5 months of being confined to their houses? Pretending you give a shit about people who’ve had cancer treatments stopped!? People with immune suppression due to cancer treatments are the people you protect by wearing a mask. They’re the people you’re accusing of being ‘panickers’. What mental gymnastics you must have to perform to justify your ‘scepticism’. Get over yourself - you’re not special, no one gives a fuck about trying to ‘control’ you. There’s an airborne virus around that is more infectious than most we usually deal with, that has unknown long term effects and is fatal for a small number. We wear masks to protect the vulnerable. The vulnerable who may or may not be in the shop next to you, but the person buying their groceries might be. Wear a mask, social distance, keep your hands clean - it’s the absolute least you can do.
PinkiOcelot · 27/08/2020 11:20

The arse holes are out in force on this thread!!

Dancingdeer77 · 27/08/2020 11:24

I don’t think that vulnerable people should be forced to be at home indefinitely nor do I think children or those with disabilities who can’t socially distant should be forced into seclusion either.
We need different spaces. My personal view is that we should have family areas where children are free to play and interact without fear and other safe places with very strict social distancing for those who are vulnerable. It doesn’t have to be an either/or. The government could have introduced a system for this and colour coded different activities e.g soft play is not a place to go if you are very vulnerable and a quiet cafe is not the place to go if you have small children who don’t understand social distancing.

ilovesooty · 27/08/2020 11:28

@Monkeynuts18

I have a reusable masks. Because the disposable ones are horrific for the environment. I don’t wash it after every use or keep it in sterile conditions. It mostly lives in my pocket or handbag.

I’m guessing if I actually had the virus it would be worse than a waste of time.

I have reusable masks. They're washed after every use and kept in ziplock bags which are washed after every contact with a used mask. Why wouldn't you?
Hippopotamus1 · 27/08/2020 11:36

I hate wearing masks, so I am staying home. But I’ve seen many articles this week saying how we all need to go back to our offices as we’re killing local businesses by staying home. Can’t have it both ways.

everybodysang · 27/08/2020 11:37

the absolute state of the comments on here. The aggressive 'snowflake' digs. The selfishness and exceptionalism. Thinking those who take basic precautions are 'terrified'. We are in big trouble if this is the level of discourse available.

itsgettingweird · 27/08/2020 11:43

Why do people insist it's disabling to fine those you are choosing to break guidelines by not wearing masks?

It is possible not to fine those people you know!

And I say that as someone with an autistic ds who doesn't wear one. If asked he shows his sunflower lanyard which he carries in his pocket.

SantaClaritaDiet · 27/08/2020 11:47

@Hippopotamus1

I hate wearing masks, so I am staying home. But I’ve seen many articles this week saying how we all need to go back to our offices as we’re killing local businesses by staying home. Can’t have it both ways.
I don't agree that we should all go back to our office. If all of those who CAN WFH are finally able to, that will do wonder for our local high street and some businesses will just have to relocate insted.

Not many people will stay locked up permanently, keep the kids home and not leave their house. People will start shopping again on the school run, for lunch when they are home etc.

Masks refusers should be kept away (I say refusers, not the ones with a genuine exemption...) so the rest of us can start living again, and live better than we used to!

Tootletum · 27/08/2020 11:49

How many more of these sanctimonious threads. I follow the rules, doesn't mean I like them. I therefore mostly stay home as I can't bear the masks.

Takingabreakagain · 27/08/2020 12:24

@Frenchpastry I am so pleased to read your comments on here - I agree totally.

Sexnotgender · 27/08/2020 12:29

@GlummyMcGlummerson

Not everyone can wear a mask, and they shouldn't stay cooped up inside until the mask bullies feel they can be set free
Totally fine not to wear a mask if you are unable to.

Could I politely request those not wearing masks to try and social distance though?

Was in Lidl the other day and a maskless woman reached across me to get something.