To those that don't want to wear a mask...

[Iamchangingmyusername]

I've seen a lot of threads on here with people annoyed that they have to wear a mask in public.

Aside from those with a legitimate medical reason, why are some people so anti mask?

Genuinely curious. I have had to travel to and from work throughout lockdown and the introduction of masks on public transport made me feel somewhat safer. Noticing less and less people wearing them, or wearing them as a decorative chin strap.

There's zero proof that they work

No not 'zero' proof

A possible 3% reduction in transmission of viruses, which is negated by the increased risk of viral infection caused by wearing them, according to an RCT trail conducted before the COVID hysteria.

The studies purporting to say otherwise which have been conducted since April largely have garbage methodology and probably politically influenced. The WHO haven't denied claims that they've changed their stance due to political lobbying.

They are a talisman, to get the monsters who thought lockdown was a good idea back into the shops.

Quote from @Strictlybakeoff* on a similar thread.

We use the synthetic control method to analyze the effect of face masks on the spread of Covid-19 in Germany. Our identification approach exploits regional variation in the point in time when face masks became compulsory. Depending on the region we analyse, we find that face masks reduced the cumulative number of registered Covid-19 cases between 2.3% and 13% over a period of 10 days after they became compulsory. Assessing the credibility of the various estimates, we conclude that face masks reduce the daily growth rate of reported infections by around 40%.
ftp.iza.org/dp13319.pdf
Study showing how masks can help. There are no studies showing masks cause any harm*

No don't agree. I've seen many reputable sources saying the evidence does stack up for masks.

I am against compulsory mask wearing because I am an INFP and therefore I find it an affront to my principles, integrity and intelligence :)

Hi Alec, what's INFP when its at home?

Because I think it's too late. This should have been done months ago at the peak. Imo. Which may be wrong but that's just how I feel.

I have worn one and I will do because I have to.

@sleepingpup it’s a Myers Briggs personality test thing

...INFPs tend to be very creative, artistic, and spiritual. They are often skilled with language but may prefer to express their thoughts and feelings through writing rather than speaking.

Because they have strong ethics and values, they also become passionate about advocating or defending their beliefs.

INFPs value authenticity and want to be original and individual in what they do. They are often concerned with a search for meaning and truth within themselves. Following tradition holds little appeal for the INFP; they prefer to do their own exploration of values and ideas, and decide for themselves what seems right. INFPs are often offbeat and unconventional, but they feel no desire to conform. The INFP would rather be true to themselves than try to fit in with the crowd.

INFPs are accepting and nonjudgmental in their treatment of others, believing that each person must follow their own path. They are flexible and accommodating, and can often see many points of view. It is important to the INFP to support other people; however, the INFP may react strongly if they feel their own values are being violated. They especially hate being steamrolled by people who insist there is one right way to do things. INFPs want an open, supportive exchange of ideas.

.......

Anyway.....

Alec Weird. I am an INFP and find mask wearing really sings to my introverted nature. I like hiding my face when I am out, I have discovered. Makes me feel more secure in a weird way.

Anyone who wants to find out if they’re an INFP- google ‘16 personalities’ it’s scarily accurate.

AlecTrevelyan006

Ha! I testef as an INTP.
I never considered that it was influencing my anti-mask-on-principle stance.
Mainly because I'm not sure I hold much faith in the Myers-Briggs system either

I wonder how the surgeons, who wear masks to protect their patients during long hours in surgery, feel when reading this thread.

Or all the other healthcare professionals wearing masks for long days at work.

OK - I don't want to wear a mask because:

I have witnessed no respect for any social distancing in shops (mainly large supermarkets) since masks were made mandatory

I have seen many people wearing and handling them incorrectly, potentially adding to the spread of the virus. Today's joys were seeing used disposable masks hung up around the mirror of the car - probably to be resumed. People clutching used masks in their hands walking down the street after buying takeaway coffee. People shouting through them (thus projecting more saliva) then pulling masks down to talk.

I am still to see compelling evidence that is based on the efficacy of masks alone rather than as part of a range of measures. I read lots of 'may prevent' 'could help' etc etc in the studies.

I cannot see well with a mask. It hampers my vision. I have tried every trick to stop my glasses steaming up and nothing works. The masks interfere with my varifocals and I feel uncomfortable very quickly.

Hence I am avoiding the shops as much as possible

For anyone with lung issues who is interested, I have respiratory disease and asthma and I'm having no problems with a mask.

I have been slowly trying to get myself used to my masks before they become compulsory.

I don't enjoy wearing them. I find it much harder to breathe and have to concentrate on keeping calm because of that. They cause my glasses to steam up very quickly and I then cannot see a thing. I've tried most of the recommended tricks but so far nothing helps.

I will wear one when required to do so, but not otherwise.

I accept all of the reasons for wearing them and can even see that they probably help. That doesn't make me like them. I'd call them a necessary evil that we will have to suck up for a few weeks or months.

@IloveJKRowling

I wonder how the surgeons, who wear masks to protect their patients during long hours in surgery, feel when reading this thread.

Or all the other healthcare professionals wearing masks for long days at work.

Presumably they would have thought before deciding on their chosen career path that they may have to wear face masks......

God, I am LOVING wearing a mask.

I have a sense of smell on par with a bloodhound.

I have to get public transport. The public on the whole, STINK from sweat, to BO, to perfumes, to overpowering soaps, to unwashed hair/heavy shampoos I can smell EVERYTHING.

I love that it is now socially acceptable for me to keep my distance and cover my nose. Tiny dab of lavender oil in the corner and happy days.

In any case, it is a 'needs must' situation.

I have to say that I think I am getting more used to the masks now. I still don't love it but I am less panicky when I wear one. I guess it is like everything that is new. Over time it becomes more normal and easier

I’m autistic and I will not be wearing one. They make me panic. I will instead be wearing an exemption lanyard.

I wonder how the surgeons, who wear masks to protect their patients during long hours in surgery, feel when reading this thread.

They chose to have those jobs so would have known what was required.

I wonder how the surgeons, who wear masks to protect their patients during long hours in surgery, feel when reading this thread.

The motivation is completely different, and I am sure they can appreciate why people have concerns about wearing a mask to an empty shop.

I cannot stand my face being covered, I panic when I get and clothing stuck over my face. The thought of a mask and the breeding ground it is for bacteria which will mean it either needs to be disposed off or washed daily. I know they offer the wearer little protection from coronavirus, it is to protect others in case you have it, for this reason I wont be going to shops etc to protect those who are vulnerable. I will just do my shopping online even though I prefer the idea of shopping on our ever suffering high streets.
Before some idiot comes along and says how will you cope with a ventilator if you cant cope with a mask, ummm well one does have to be sedated before being out on a ventilator first.
On the other side, I have a hearing difficulty and have found it impossible to understand shop assistants who speak to me whilst wearing a mask, it makes me feel really low not just for me but for them as well. I now say to people, please do not ask me questions, I will not be able to understand what you are saying but I dont expect you to remove your mask either. It's not a nice place to be in.

This conversation seems unique to the UK.
What an insult to the shop workers who wear them, the NHS staff who wear them, the mechanics, the engineers, the cabin crew- all day and in warm environments- no AC.
So petty...if you can, then why not wear it, so that we can all go back to normality, sooner.

How is this CONTROL??? You wear seat belts don't you? You follow the road signs don't you? You don't smoke indoors anymore do you? You pick up after your dog don't you? You pay the parking metre don't you?
Where is the big picture thinking?
Mask wearing is not a fascist many state imposition that is permanent. It is temporary, and works best if most are onboard.
No one relishes at the idea of covering their faces in the heat- but they do it because they are sick of this pandemic and want it over.

• nanny not many state

@ZaraCarmichaelshighheels
Ok, and what about the shop workers and cabin crew? Don't see them flipping out and screaming blue murder over their 'rights' and having to wear a mask- that didn't come with their job description surely.

This is what gets me. Those that are opening up their businesses again are putting things in place to protect themselves AND the public but we need the public at large to cooperate and be on the same page for any of these measures to work. It's not just about the individual.