Not to wear a mask at work as I'm sitting behind a perspex screen?

[LostForWords2021]

3 people in the office, 3 desks all with screens up.
All fully vaccinated with boosters.
1 of 3 has decided we should all sit with masks on all day.
I'm the most non confrontation person so I don't know where I stand, I don't want to wear a mask in a hot office for 8 hours if I don't have to.

I would refuse.

@TinaYouFatLard

I would refuse.

Just a flat no then?

@TinaYouFatLard

I would refuse.

Me too. Just a straight up no.

Masks will go back to being voluntary at the end of this month and people are just going going have to get a grip.

Are the screens floor to ceiling and preventing airflow between you?

If not, then I can see why masks are desirable

If office too hot, open a window

The Perspex screen is doing fuck all.

Is there a reason this person is anxious?

Absolutely no way.

Just say no. Who is this person to you - is it a manager or someone more senior?

If it's just a colleague I wouldn't even bother to explain why - they have no authority over you.

If it's a manager, I would diplomatically refuse and explain why.

I'd say no, you have the screens. Could you do an LFT everyday to reassure them? Or offer to wear it if you leave your desk at any point?

@FuckeryOmbudsman

Are the screens floor to ceiling and preventing airflow between you?

If not, then I can see why masks are desirable

If office too hot, open a window

I'm always in first so I pop the 4 top windows open when I get in.

Hell no. The person who requested it can invest in masks that provide enough personal protection if they’re that worried.

@KiloWhat

I'd say no, you have the screens. Could you do an LFT everyday to reassure them? Or offer to wear it if you leave your desk at any point?

NHS admin so we test every day. DR’s wear masks when/if they have to pop in and we put a mask on if someone knocks on the door.

The Perspex screen is doing nothing. Your colleague needs to wear a ffp2 face mask - which will give them more protection than if both of you are wearing the flimsier surgical masks. Ventilation is more important. What is the air con like? If no air con then there needs to be good air flow through open doors and windows and a regular flinging wide open of doors/windows to purge air. And enforcing rules around sick colleagues not dragging themselves to work when they are coughing/spluttering. These measures are more effective than asking healthy colleagues to wear masks.

The screens are irrelevant as they do not do anything. Constantly amazed by people claiming they are covid precautions.

If you can have windows open and ensure a good airflow then wearing masks is pointless. Unless of course you are sitting in a small cupboard and have symptoms!

@HarryDresdensLeatherDuster

The screens are irrelevant as they do not do anything. Constantly amazed by people claiming they are covid precautions.

If you can have windows open and ensure a good airflow then wearing masks is pointless. Unless of course you are sitting in a small cupboard and have symptoms!

Thank you, very helpful.

No air con, ting office space. I open the top windows and she refuses to have the door propped open.

I'd refuse to work without a mask, tbh. Perspex screen just gives you a false sense of security.

You don't have to wear masks in offices.

I don't think one person should be making the rules for all of you - I wouldn't fancy wearing one for 8 hours at my desk either! I'd be honest and say you'll wear it for moving about in the room / workplace, but sat at your own desk you'll ventilate the area and not wear one.

Are you 2m apart? We don't wear masks in our NHS offices if we're 2m apart and don't exceed the number allowed in the space.