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Original poster

GP on BBC advises we wear masks to supermarkets

24 replies

FirTree31 · 07/04/2020 06:48

Have I missed something, I thought the advise was not to wear masks?

It was a Q&A interview just now (6.40am), presenter reading questions sent in by viewers and asked, 'do I need to wear mask when going to supermarket?'... Doctor replied that he believes it is safer for droplet spread.

OP posts:
Shitsgettingcrazy · 07/04/2020 06:50

Even doctors will have differing opinions

The official advice hasnr changed because he expressed an opinion.

Original poster
FirTree31 · 07/04/2020 06:52

That is a good point, was just a surprise hearing it.

OP posts:
Nquartz · 07/04/2020 06:55

There have been loads of threads, on one someone posted links to scientific research that showed they slowed the spread because it stops you spraying droplets when you talk/sneeze/cough etc.

Obviously you can't get one that stops all droplets getting through these days (FP3 I believe) but there are loads of patterns available to make one which would be suitable to wear good shopping for example. You just have to make sure it's tight & you wash on high temp after one use, wash hands after taking it off, straight in the machine etc, same as anything else which might have the virus on.

findumdum1 · 07/04/2020 06:55

Happy to. Where the hell are you supposed to het them from though?!

Original poster
FirTree31 · 07/04/2020 06:59

@findumdum1 there aren't any! So @Nquartz idea to make them may be the only way!

OP posts:
Calledyoulastnightfromglasgow · 07/04/2020 07:00

To be honest, we all have to get this at some point. In a few weeks we will all be told to go out and get this virus provided we
don’t have vulnerable people at home.

Original poster
FirTree31 · 07/04/2020 07:06

Yes, I assume herd immunity is still part of the strategy, we're just now hearing the term be thrown around any more. You get the virus, and hope you don't die.

OP posts:
midgebabe · 07/04/2020 07:22

If we are not to overwhelm the NHS it is likely that there will be a vaccine many many years before we have all had the virus

Although if you restrict the ability to go out and about to people who are neither vulnerable nor live with anyone vulnerable, that won't be a huge proportion of the population

BarbaraofSeville · 07/04/2020 08:18

Happy to. Where the hell are you supposed to het them from though

That's the issue. Also that they fit properly, people wear them properly, and then either wash them properly, or if using disposable ones, they replace them often enough. Any deficiencies in any of those, and you might as well not bother, especially if people get complacent - it's OK to visit my Nan and give her a hug, we are wearing masks.

That's an impossibly huge logistical exercise starting virtually from zero, given that existing mask manufacturers will be beyond flat out making enough for the NHS etc.

Washable reusable ones would be best, because for disposable ones to be effective, you need to change them more than once a day, so even for the UK, the supply would need to be hundreds of millions of masks per day.

The masks would need to be made and issued. I suppose they could appeal to all the crafting enthusiasts of the nation to join in and make something useful using a downloadable pattern, but it's still possibly too big an exercise. They'd also have to make instructional videos on how to wear them effectively, but that would be the easy part.

PancakePattie · 07/04/2020 08:25

There are plenty on eBay @findumdum1

BarbaraofSeville · 07/04/2020 08:27

That's very useful and accessible Kitchendoctor. Thank you.

Itsjustmee · 07/04/2020 08:52

Lots on Etsy as well

cologne4711 · 07/04/2020 09:01

From the outset they've said that you can wear masks but they are more effective at protecting other people from you, than vice versa. But of course if everyone does it, it must work.

I think it's more to do with availability of masks - they don't even have enough for NHS staff, eg when I donated blood last week they weren't wearing them. I have been using a runner's buff when I've been in the supermarket so can pull it over my mouth and nose while in the shop, but not when I've been walking there and back - I can't really breathe with it on for more than a few minutes!

YouAreTheEggManIAmTheWalrus · 07/04/2020 09:20

Say you’re unknowingly in close contact with a CV infected person;

*Both of you wear a mask = little to no chance of transmission
*Only they wear a mask = Slightly more chance of transmission
*Only you wear a mask = Even higher risk of transmission
*Neither of you wear a mask = High risk of transmission

Therefore if everyone wore masks the rate of transmission would be greatly slowed. (Assuming they are fitted correctly, removed safely and disposed of adequately).

LostInSaigon · 07/04/2020 09:30

The WHO have now back tracked and said masks should be worn by the general public, but only fabric masks not medical ones.

randomsabreuse · 07/04/2020 09:46

I tried to use a running buff last 2 times I've been shopping. Total failure!

Attempt 1 worn with glasses, constant steaming up, couldn't see! Attempt abandoned.

Attempt 2 decided to try with contacts in. Would not stay over my nose, kept falling down, needed constant adjustment so lots of face touching required...

Took the view that it was counter productive as if I am wearing gloves, no glasses and hair properly restrained I don't touch my face so long as I am not irritated by something on my face.

Loads of people were wearing masks over their mouths but not noses!

Original poster
FirTree31 · 07/04/2020 10:07

It really does seem like common sense, why have I not taken heed before! I even advised my 86 year old grandmother not to wear as we were told no help

OP posts:
Thighmageddon · 07/04/2020 10:13

I've got some Hygge brand head things that I'm going to somehow convert to a mask just in case I do need to leave the house.

HappydaysArehere · 07/04/2020 10:18

Local pharmacy had the one use ones for sale at £2 each. They can’t possibly be worth that as only paper. You would need so many it is ridiculous.

BarbaraofSeville · 07/04/2020 10:32

Loads of people were wearing masks over their mouths but not noses

I've seen that too, I don't know what they think they are achieving.

SirVixofVixHall · 07/04/2020 10:35

Family member lives in a far Eastern country where masks are worn by everyone, and thinks it has significantly helped reduce viral spread. Masks help limit the amount of virus spread about by someone infected.

beautifulteeth · 07/04/2020 10:36

Of course . I wear a mask.

Too many people openly coughing, not maintaining social distancing etc

Ignorance and stupidity is rife.

It's absolutely not questionable for
Me

ginghamstarfish · 07/04/2020 10:46

I have made fabric mask for us and for the local care home etc, with a sheet of instructions on use. They are two layer cotton, with an opening for disposable filter (folded kitchen roll paper etc) which can be removed and chucked, then mask washed at 60 degrees. If we have to go out then we will definitely wear them. There are loads of FB groups making masks for care workers, delivery drivers, shop staff etc. I saw one person said they had responded to someone calling masks a waste of time by saying 'My mask protects you, and your mask protects me'. which I thought was good.

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