Face masks for shopping

[Lemons1571]

It’s just popped up on my social media on the official bona fide UK government page.

“Going shopping this weekend?
Shop responsibly
Wear a face mask“

This is the drip feed start of a move towards compulsory face masks in shops isn’t it. Particularly in the autumn/winter when they expect transmission to rise.

I’m keen. I imagine lots will struggle with this though.

I reckon they will be compulsory indoors commercial premises soon, and secondary schools. Not sure about shared offices, though.

I doubt anyone will police all the incorrect wearing. I seem to see a lot of that. I don't envy teachers if they have to try to police it.

@lemons1571 I'm wearing a mask every time I go to a shop so have no issue with this myself. I'm sure you're right and lots of others will. Have just ordered more disposable and also washable masks from different sources. IMO we'll be wearing masks for some time until there's a vaccine or treatment and I see them as something which enables me to go about my day if I'm going to somewhere I can't social distance. (obvs giving others entry of space and hand washing thoroughly).

Well if we are having 1 metre rather than 2 then yes, masks will be needed.

Tbh I'm surprised masks/face coverings aren't already mandatory in shops. DP and I were talking about this earlier. I do think they will make it mandatory especially as we head into autumn - it makes sense.

Not seen the Gov advert but they probably are buttering us up for an announcement.

I think of cases start rising when the rules relax in July then mask wearing will be compulsory in shops etc. I hate wearing masks in this hot weather but it won’t be so bad in Autumn/winter.

WhiteChocTwix

Can I ask where did you order your washable ones from please? Do you know if they do masks for 11 yr olds?

Lots of (newly reopened) shops are making it a requirement of entry anyhow

I think it'll be the case that some essential shops will remain mask optional, so that no-one is cut off from essential supplies. But everywhere else will require masks.

Those who cannot wear masks will be acceptable collateral damage, who must not hold back everyone else getting on with re-establishing normality. Just like the shielded have already been

@Deelish75 I ordered them from a lady on my local FB group who was making them for a good price. They've turned out to be excellent don't make my specs steam up! I'm in the South East, not sure where you are?

@Deelish75 I've ordered myself & DC's washable masks off Etsy. I'm avoiding taking them shopping with me but I know you need them for Drs and not sure how strict they're being (DC's are only 2 & 4) so I thought I'd better have some just in case.

WhiteChoc
Thanks, I'm in Kent, not far outside the M25.

Beetle
Yes my Dr has said we need them.

@WhiteChocTwix I’m south east. Are you able to share who you bought from (I’m a specs wearer too)

I assume if places go to 1m+ then masks will become more common place. Did notice when I went to local supermarket today that they had hand sanitiser at the entrance which they haven’t had before, so don’t know whether they are gearing upto 1m+

@ineedaholidaynow

I assume if places go to 1m+ then masks will become more common place. Did notice when I went to local supermarket today that they had hand sanitiser at the entrance which they haven’t had before, so don’t know whether they are gearing upto 1m+

I’ve seen hand sanitiser everywhere. My local M&S has had a sanitiser podium at the entrance since lockdown began essentially - so do most non-essential retailers in my city eg boots. Other supermarkets tend to have a bottle of sanitiser near the trolley cleaning area.

I wore one in the supermarket during the height of the pandemic but stopped a good month or so ago, we had very few cases locally here and no deaths in my small town. I can see it becoming mandatory if social distancing is scrapped and cases start rising. Will definitely be wearing one during the winter months in supermarkets whether it’s mandatory or not. I don’t have any issues with wearing one, it’s a slight inconvenience.

It's totally shit for anyone like me who is really claustrophobic. I'm already avoiding public transport (and don't drive), next getting groceries is going to be a palava if they make masks compusory and online shopping still arrives with stuff missing. I'm not being obtuse, covering my mouth and nose means I cannot breathe and end up having a panic attack.

I really hope they don’t make it mandatory on shops.

I work in a shop and I think me wearing the same mask all day long and then also on the bus to and from work is just asking for trouble germ-wise. Not to mention the fact they make me feel really claustrophobic and make my face all sweaty.

I’ve also discovered I rely quite a lot on lip reading and have decided I need to go for a hearing test at some point

It isn't compulsory on public transport so I can't see it being compulsory in shops either.

But it is compulsory on public transport

There are exemptions on public transport and there would be in shops. They won't just not be allowed in anywhere despite what some would love to happen.

Those who cannot wear masks will be acceptable collateral damage, who must not hold back everyone else getting on with re-establishing normality. Just like the shielded have already been

What are the shielded- collateral damage or holding everyone back?!

It is ridiculous and just tokenism. The time to implement this was Feb/March, pre lockdown, and not now. I really hate them, don’t believe the volte-face government guidance on them, and don’t want to wear them, but I suspect in the usual arse about tit way everything is done in this godforsaken shithole of a country they will be made mandatory, so I’m wearing them to get used to them.

Morrisons have washable ones for kids, I bought some for my son earlier.

I've been wearing one for my weekly grocery shop for about a month now. Disappointing how few people are. I don't like wearing one. It's hot, uncomfortable, a bit stifling. But it's the responsible thing to so.

As a Brit living in SE Asia where we already had a mask wearing culture before Covid 19, I am fascinated by the unwillingness of many to wear a mask.

Whilst there's no law here saying we must wear a mask, you won't get into to any shop/ bus/ train/ restaurant/ hotel/ bar etc without one.

It's also 30 degrees and counting plus at least 80% humidity all the time. It's very uncomfortable yes, but we all do it without complaint.

We just deal with it to try and keep ourselves and others safe.

@FizzFan you have completely summed up my feelings on this. I haven’t worn one anywhere, and am yet to see anyone in the Cabinet, in the Royal Family or other high profile individual wearing one (with the exception of William, who was in a lab or similar).

Agree completely with FizzFan. The horse has already bolted.