Face masks - silly question?

[42andcounting]

Ok, first off I'll state I'm not talking about taking PPE away from front line workers, I'm talking about home made (sewn) masks. Also I know that they are useless unless used correctly, removed safely, replaced regularly, etc.

Advice seems to be conflicting across the world as to whether they are any use, and in the UK the prevailing wisdom seems to be that they are not recommended because they only stop the wearer from transmitting infection, but not from contracting it (ie my mask protects you from me, not me from you).

My question is, given that we know many people are asymptomatic, why aren't we just wearing masks anyway, as they can't worsen the situation, and may improve it slightly?

(Genuine question)

@hopefulhalf
silk sounds nice!! where did they come from?

China of course !

I guessed that - i was hoping for a link to the site!

Just amazon

Ok, thanks.

You'd be better off wearing a welder's shield, if you have the guts. I'm not sure I do. I don't know where they're sold either.

Couldn't do the link with out my details sorry.

Because the UK doesn't have any and it's yet another embarrassment for the government.

I’m making a load for friends and family (for free) - they have a slot to put a tissue/kitchen towel in and are washable.

They certainly won’t make me complacent - hopefully, if anyone’s asymptomatic, this night stop them infecting anyone else, and surely, they must make some difference?

hopeful That is fine! I found really easily on amazon

joebidens A welder's mask. That's an idea. At a time of economic depression, a brave new world of stylish mask businesses could set forth....

The requirements for a HCP leaning over a Covid patient and the general public are different.

Not a silly question at all.

When you wear a mask you protect other people.
You only have to worry about taking a mask off like a clinician, if you are a clinician or otherwise in close contact with Covid patients.
Hand washing and social distancing also have to be observed.
If a mask fits, you don't have to fiddle with it.
masks4all.co

How about a view different to Georgie's

And yes, I do think they should be compulsory.
www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/askst-when-do-i-need-to-wear-a-mask

Proper ones would reduce the chance of the wearer catching it otherwise every covid dr would have caught it.

I actually started a similar thread myself.
Im still not comfortable with school starting even with masks as you wouldnt get some kids to keep them on.
But definitely a mustfor any teachers etc even now with just key worker children.

But i fear us reducing the risk of catching it doesnt play to their still herd immunity plans...
I think it needs to be done to try to protect the 40+yo and vulnerable but if we got back to normal hundreds of teens and twenties die too.

The gov plan to reopen schools in less affected areas definitely speaks to letting us all catch up...

The real reason is fear of increased crime linked to not being able to identify people and the impact it would have on the development of facial recognition software. If mask wearing becomes socially accepted in the UK then the authorities would be pissed off.

Also, because home made marks can't be quality controlled or tested then no one wants to officially state that they are protective because no one wants to be sued in a year or two.

Even if they only protect others from you then everyone wearing them would be amazingly beneficial.

There are also concerns that some of the homemade ones will trap moisture containing the virus next to your face. This is why even the professional ones need to be changed when they get moist.

I do think they will lead to people thinking they are invincible and stopping the basic handwashing, face touching, distance keeping advice.

I would have thought that a plastic face sheild would be more use and more comfortable for most people

This was discussed on the World at One today on radio 4. They even had Janet Ellis on explaining how to make a very simple one out of a bit of cotton and 2 hair bobbles Blue Peter style

The gov plan to reopen schools in less affected areas definitely speaks to letting us all catch up...

What have I missed?

I hope they don't make it compulsory. What about my dd with ASD and significant sensory issues. It could be a legal Equalties issue. I would hardly be able to go out as they make me have panic attacks from feeling claustrophobic.

We don't make national policy decisions based on your daughter @BreathlessCommotion

DS with ASD and significant sensory issues made 50 masks today. It could be a legal equalities issue if everybody else doesn't.

I agree with both those as neither of my dc would likely wear them. But i would accept that i just cant take them out them unfortunately. Especially school putting teachers/other parents/pg mums at risk. Although I appreciate SN schools would really struggle with this.
Does seem strange the claim it protects others more though.

I think though if say 5% of the population are shedding at any one time... That is a lot of load for anyone getting exposed.

Apparently it can be carried by air con type fans longer distances.
And people have caught it from the air in buses not just surfaces.
If we were investigating cases we would likely find a lot are passed on public transport.
Barcelona/london/new york.
And didnt london mayor want to close the underground?
The q is would it be safe on public transport even with a mask?

The ones on Amazon age expensive, there's 5 of us at home and if we were wear a mask each time we went out then bin it,
we'd need loads. I'd like to try and make masks myself but then I'd have to buy the material and get a delivery driver to deliver.

what about people who had the virus already (and know it or those who will know when tested) - they can't spread it anymore so why wear a mask, but then maybe they'll produce badges saying 'I'm immune'

Sorry @CatAndHisKit but unfortunately they don’t know For sure if people get immunity or even how long they can spread it after they’ve recovered.

@Powergower, you can use a variety of materials you likely already have. Do a google search for research on what materials make the best facemasks and then chop away!

interesting fellow in italy, tested positive for 30 days after not having any symptoms. tested because work colleague was tested didn't even know he was positive. isolated for 14-21 and finally on day 30 was negative. might give insight as to why spread continues if 14 days isolation isn't enough.