How long will we need to wear face masks for?

[Dualipa]

Just wondering when people think wearing face masks will ease?

Don’t worry @Bluewavescrashing we now have our own supplies. It will help school budget 😁

@DeepTreacle

Haha at those saying “I’ve spent lots of money so I hope we will need them for a long time”

Yep, only in MN would people spend a load of money on a face mask. They will become a fashion accessory for some people.

You’re assuming masks have been introduced for health reasons. Actually it’s for economic reasons. The government wants to stimulate the economy by making people feel safe enough to return to shops. If it becomes apparent that masks are having the opposite effect and are actually putting people off going shopping, they’ll rapidly be discarded.

I don’t really have a problem with them being a fashion accessory - I just think it’s amusing that there’s a sunk costs element to this. I realise people are not being entirely serious. But of course there is nothing to stop people continuing to wear their expensive/pretty fabric face coverings once it is no longer mandatory, so it shouldn’t be a concern.

Exactly raimona - if it was about health we’d have had them in March

They are also a visual reminder of the serious situation, some people seem to have either forgotten or don’t care about social distancing.

for a long while - at least until a vaccine is in place.

I think retail sales will collapse so they will be phased out.

Is there any evidence retail has “collapsed” in all the other countries that brought in masks? Everywhere else seems to be getting on with it. So will we...

@Raimona

You’re assuming masks have been introduced for health reasons. Actually it’s for economic reasons. The government wants to stimulate the economy by making people feel safe enough to return to shops. If it becomes apparent that masks are having the opposite effect and are actually putting people off going shopping, they’ll rapidly be discarded.

Agree, I think this stupid rule will be phased out within a few weeks. It's too late to try and enforce it now.

We are quite simply not visiting ANY shops unless absolutely necessary and ordering online instead - our DD is terrified of people in face masks so our money won't be going to any local shops or the high street

Is there any evidence retail has “collapsed” in all the other countries that brought in masks? Everywhere else seems to be getting on with it. So will we i think it’s hard to compare all countries as being the same socially, I do think on the whole it will have a negative impact on the high street.
Had the government introduced masks at the beginning of lock down then we probably would have had less resistance but to open shops again and then demand masks be worn leaves it open to rebellion.

A lot of people I know will be shopping on line instead, as it has become so much of a hassle.
I expect we will be wearing masks at least until next spring, and every winter.

I don't think it will. It'll go the same way as the so called lockdown. As the weeks went on, less bothered with it, so I can see masks going the same way. The Police aren't going to enforce it anyway

Devon and Cornwall Police have already come out and said they are going to do nothing about enforcing it

Cressida Dick seems to disagree with this and wants non-wearers shamed out of shops.

@Derbygerbil

I think retail sales will collapse so they will be phased out.

Is there any evidence retail has “collapsed” in all the other countries that brought in masks? Everywhere else seems to be getting on with it. So will we...

I’ve just been into town and it’s really busy and everyone’s wearing a mask.

If there’s going to be an economic crisis because no one will go shopping wearing a mask, it’s not evident here.

Retail was definitely unaffected in Asia!

These weeks, whilst the sun is still strong, is the 'getting used to it' time.

We'll all be in the swing of it, and it'll be second nature, by the start of autumn, and the cooler damper conditions when viruses thrive. And by the time it's the sort of morning when you can see your own breath, you'll be damned glad that people wear them routinely.

Reassessment unlikely before the spring.

Richard Osman's tweet today:

'Everyone in shops in masks today which was lovely to see. Never be fooled by social media, we are a kind, classy and intelligent country when it comes to looking after each other. Respect to one and all'

@LockdownsNo1Hater

I don't think it will. It'll go the same way as the so called lockdown. As the weeks went on, less bothered with it, so I can see masks going the same way. The Police aren't going to enforce it anyway

Devon and Cornwall Police have already come out and said they are going to do nothing about enforcing it

Cressida Dick seems to disagree with this and wants non-wearers shamed out of shops.

Devon & Cornwall police are going for an educate and encourage approach before enforcing it. I don’t think they said they weren’t going to enforce it at all.

Until the spring at least I’d guess . Doesn’t bother me as I wear one at work .

I went out today with my mask on. I went into a few shops and took it on and off a few times so touched my face more than when not wearing one. Absolutely hated wearing it and no one could understand what anyone was saying. I'm out. I am online shopping from now on and will stick to country walks and DIY.

I am much more likely to now go shopping as it’s going to be safer to do so. Retail spending might increase. Mask wearing hasn’t hurt spending in other countries so can’t see why UK would be any different.

We'll all be in the swing of it, and it'll be second nature, by the start of autumn, and the cooler damper conditions when viruses thrive. And by the time it's the sort of morning when you can see your own breath, you'll be damned glad that people wear them routinely.

Never. All it means for me is that I can't go anywhere they are required. My world feels smaller and smaller and it's possibly going to cost me my marriage and my kids.

I'm in Italy. Over two months after the shops reopened, and everyone is wearing masks in the shops where I am. And any indoor space or public transport unless you are eating/drinking.

Now people feel safer doing their shopping or hair appointments or whatever because of masks, they go out and spend.

So far it's working well here - obviously can't speak for the whole country.

I imagine we'll keep going until there is a vaccine or a reliable treatment.

Well, the regulations are required to be reviewed in 6 months time but can carry on for up to 1 year from yesterday.

My world feels smaller and smaller and it's possibly going to cost me my marriage and my kids

I can sympathise with that - as can everyone who has a shielded household member. It came out of the blue, and reduced the world to tiny.

The added restrictions on the 'few' so the 'many' can do more has been a feature throughout.

@SexTrainGlue

Richard Osman's tweet today:

'Everyone in shops in masks today which was lovely to see. Never be fooled by social media, we are a kind, classy and intelligent country when it comes to looking after each other. Respect to one and all'

He talks sense. Social media isn't representative of real life people. Throughout the pandemic, there's been a significant minority all other SM complaining, criticising and challenging everything, but out in real life, nearly everyone I come into contact with are actually trying their best to comply and keep themselves and others safe.

@Dinosauratemydaffodils sorry if I have missed something but is there a reason you can’t just go out and not wear one? It is allowed if you can’t manage it for health reasons as I am sure you know. I don’t think the aim of the masks was for people who can’t wear them to be locked away. Most people despite being keyboard warriors about how they’d call non wearers out wouldn’t say boo to a goose and if anyone (other than someone in authority) does question you you can either just state you are exempt or tell them to fuck off. Of course if it’s more that the sight of people in masks is triggering then that’s obviously difficult x