Do you think we should be wearing face masks? And if so why aren't more people doing it?

[tinkywinkyshandbag]

That's all really...just interested in others opinions..

[Prokupatuscrakedatus]

I've travelled by underground several times today (Berlin) and I estimate that coverings were worn by 98% of my fellow passengers from about 6 years onward - we stil keep as far away from each other as possible and don't breathe in other peoples faces.
And people whose faces need to be seen (i. e. for lip readers) wore visor type things.
I've also been to the dentist because of sudden pain - the staff wore masks and gloves as per usual, we patients had to wash our hands, keep our distance from each other and use a special (disgusting) mouth wash.

[ravenmum]

The face covering thing was introduced in Germany as an early part of the return to normality, as they would be in the UK now. The federal government sggested that they should be mandatory everywhere but does not have the authority to make such decisions - that happens at state level. In fact, all the states have made them a requirement, but the specifics are different as to where.

[YeOldeTrout]

Only some German states in some contexts made them mandatory, is my hazy understanding. And only from mid-late April. Germany had far lower case & death counts for many weeks before they tried to encourage / make people wear face covers.

[highmarkingsnowbile]

Thought about it on my walk today, Sudoko, because the sheep are getting very pongy although they should start shearing them this week or next. There's almost always a breeze here. It's not really catching on here, and tbh, I'm glad of it.

[applemango9]

Wherever I go, I wear a face mask and gloves to protect myself as well as others.

[SauvignonBlanche]

I’m dreading their use becoming widespread - I lip read.

[highmarkingsnowbile]

We don't have a M&S. Really, only a couple of people wearing masks in any of the 3 shops that sell groceries. None of the pavements - wouldn't make much sense unless you're trying to mask the smell of sheep or salt water.

[SudokuBook]

Most people where we are (Scotland) are wearing something


West of Scotland here, no one is wearing them.

[Judystilldreamsofhorses]

highmarkingsnowmobile to be fair I only ever go to the M&S foodhall (it's closest) and once to the pharmacy! But yes, most people there are in some sort of face covering. I have seen some people wearing masks on the streets too, but far fewer. I'm in NE Scotland.

[Dinosauratemydaffodils]

We're in NE Scotland. Hardly any masks. Dh went to costco yesterday, said he saw 3 customers in masks and 2 were clearly together (sharing a trolley). All the rest weren't.

[Mascotte]

No one in my bit if Scotland either

[highmarkingsnowbile]

Most people where we are (Scotland) are wearing something,

Where are all these most people? I'm in Scotland, too, in the West (not Glasgow or Inverclyde). Almost no one is. We've had few cases.

[Dinosauratemydaffodils]

Some deaf people rely on facial expressions to communicate, if they are made compulsory how do we get around that 🤔

I've seen a few clear ones made by charities for that reason but obviously they need everyone to be wearing them.

[ravenmum]

I helped an old lady who was about to collapse the other day, and I have to say that I felt pretty bad I wasn't wearing a mask at the time, with her being old. Couldn't just let her collapse and whack her head on the ground, though!

[ravenmum]

I've come across plenty of people without masks coming too close to me. If someone is going to come too close, it's better for me if they are wearing a mask.

[Kcnana]

I should add, I think they give a false sense of security. In the supermarket a couple of weeks ago, a lady wearing a mask couldn't have gotten any closer to me. Arm to arm, skin on skin close. It didn't bother me but I did think what the hell is the point in wearing a mask if you're happy to come that close anyway.

[Kcnana]

I don't think it should be compulsory.

Some deaf people rely on facial expressions to communicate, if they are made compulsory how do we get around that 🤔

[lifestooshort123]

The problem with just looking on the Internet and YouTube is

A. Many of us don't have the time to do our own extensive research

B. The Internet is also full of people peddling crap like drinking bleach or shoving it up your arse to cure things

I don't think advice about how to fold a bandana would be harmful though, do you? Anyway, it's more about taking responsibility - wear a mask/don't wear a mask, buy one/make one, do what feels right for you. When people bang on about the government providing masks, where do they think the money comes from? How much would be wasted on admin? Do you want to put money in China's coffers for masks? Personally, not a b**lock!

[ravenmum]

also @bulletjournalbilly if your friend is worried, she could also think about putting the free Google Transcribe app on her phone just in case. It writes out what people are saying and has some settings to ignore background noise etc. Don't know how good it would be in a very noisy setting, but it's pretty good when it's quiet.

[DarkMutterings]

can only book to 50% capacity,

[DarkMutterings]

In restaurants you're not wearing one, they can only book to 50 capacity, maximum number of people is 8 (was 4 up to recently). In fairness servers wear them so that would be hard for her. Pubs similar smaller gatherings, less people, bar staff in masks.

But in fairness since SARS a large chunk of people wear masks each flu season anyway so it really isn't an issue.

It's not perfect, you still see people having a fag or talking on their phone with their mask wrapped round their chin but walking in the city, lifts, public transport, queuing in smaller spaces - most folk are in them.

[ravenmum]

how do you chat with people in the pub and restaurants?
You're only allowed to go into restaurants with people in your "circle". In the restaurant, once at the table, you take off the mask.

[ravenmum]

As an example, the cinemas have just reopened here. You wear a mask to go in the cinema and get your tickets, and can then take it off once you are sitting in your assigned seat. Put it on again to go out of the cinema, take it off when you get outside. Put it on when the tram is coming, take it off when you get off the tram.

[bulletjournalbilly]

@DarkMutterings how do you chat with people in the pub and restaurants? I have a deaf friend, how will she lip read with us in public places?!

[ravenmum]

I live in part of Germany where there have been very few cases, and there are a lot of people who think the virus is a hoax (or something along those lines). Masks are mandatory here on public transport, in shops etc., and so most people wear them. If the masks were not mandatory, people would not wear them, as the anti-maskers would make fun of them, or they would be afraid of that happening, or embarrassed to look as if they were especially scared.

If they're not mandatory, people will avoid them as much as they can.

These are cloth masks. I've made a dozen of the things out of old t-shirts. You can then take several with you to replace as needed and give them a hot wash in the evening.