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Original poster

supermarket face masks

78 replies

millythemalard · 26/07/2020 19:09

Sorry if this has already been done- I have looked on line for the answer but I just don't understand. I am wearing a face mask in the shops- totally up for it if. If that's what we have to do then fine. But why don't people who work in supermarkets have to wear them?

OP posts:
MoreW1ne · 27/07/2020 09:13

Just another example of random decision making by the government. Another half arsed bit of guidance. Masks should be worn in shops...except by workers which are often half the people in there Hmm

I think that either masks will be dropped by september to take away school conflict or they'll stay throughout winter.

In which case shops without a lot of staff wearing them will gradually change to prevent poor image. I'm not fussed for the whole mask wearing but if they stay over winter as we become more accustomed to them theyll be increased frustration with any businesses not doing the same.

Original poster
millythemalard · 27/07/2020 09:21

I am not being arsey to people.

I am happy to wear a mask because I have to. I am happy to wear a mask to protect others. I am happy to do as I am told. I would never question why someone specifically wasnt wearing a mask as i know individuals have personal reasons! But I think I can question overall stuff that doesn't make sense. I think we should all be questiong illogical rules. And questiong them doesnt make me arsey or entitled.

I am a community nurse - outpatient clinics, going into homes. The people I see are upset - really difficult to communicate in this scenario too. Language barriers - masks make this harder too. Its hot. Its uncomfortable yeah. The masks we use protect others - there are vulnerable people who visit supermarkets who can't wear masks - surly it would make sense for everyone who could wear one to do so to protect others.

For what its worth I dont WANT to wear one either. Saying you don't have to by law so you won't cos you don't want to is just 'petulant'.

Shop workers do an amazing job! I am not critical of shop workers - just crazy policy that makes no sense.

Sorry if I have upset anyone who works in a supermarket- keep up the excellent work

OP posts:
CasuallyMasculine · 27/07/2020 09:31

But I think I can question overall stuff that doesn't make sense. I think we should all be questiong illogical rules. And questiong them doesnt make me arsey or entitled.

It’s not your questioning the rules that’s the problem. It’s your response when posters on an anonymous parenting forum don’t give you the “evidence based reason” you’re asking them to provide - that’s what makes you arsey.

As I said, if that’s what you’re looking for, ask the people who made the decision.

commentatorz · 27/07/2020 09:37

Some shop workers aren't wearing masks because the government (who are just making stuff up as they go along) has told them they don't have to.

Original poster
millythemalard · 27/07/2020 09:39

@CasuallyMasculine

But I think I can question overall stuff that doesn't make sense. I think we should all be questiong illogical rules. And questiong them doesnt make me arsey or entitled.

It’s not your questioning the rules that’s the problem. It’s your response when posters on an anonymous parenting forum don’t give you the “evidence based reason” you’re asking them to provide - that’s what makes you arsey.

As I said, if that’s what you’re looking for, ask the people who made the decision.

I am sorry I didn't mean to be arsey.
OP posts:
Derbygerbil · 27/07/2020 10:02

I think that either masks will be dropped by september to take away school conflict or they'll stay throughout winter.

Given that compliance seems so high (in general)
and shops don’t seem to have been deserted this weekend, I think there is zero chance of them dropping the mask requirement in September, just as the risk of Covid transmission increases through the double-whammy of school’s re-opening and nights drawing in.

Vivana · 27/07/2020 10:11

I work in a supermarket and exempt. I did a 10 hour shift yesterday and did not wear a facemask. I'm not near customers and I dont go near the shop floor as work in the bakery. No need to wear a mask on there.

Vivana · 27/07/2020 10:16

And only time I'll wear a mask of I shopping or go to other shops. I wont be wearing a mask while I'm working and lugging boxes around and huge cages. Customers are not in there long.

So quit moaning about staff not wearing masks we are exempt and that's the way it is. See boris if any problems not the staff who have worked right through this all so people can have food.

user8456 · 27/07/2020 10:18

In my town, shops were deserted this weekend. Thursday was ridiculously busy. Since then, it's been like Boxing Day every day. Very strange atmosphere.

RiverFlowers · 27/07/2020 10:31

My husband has been told they have to wear them on the shop floor but not in the staff areas or warehouse.

It is basically just so customers see staff wearing them, despite the fact the government guideline say they don't have to.

Original poster
millythemalard · 27/07/2020 11:31

@Vivana

And only time I'll wear a mask of I shopping or go to other shops. I wont be wearing a mask while I'm working and lugging boxes around and huge cages. Customers are not in there long.

So quit moaning about staff not wearing masks we are exempt and that's the way it is. See boris if any problems not the staff who have worked right through this all so people can have food.

I am not moaning about it - just wondered why they were exempt? 'Cos I said so is not a logical reason.

If you are a shop worker who closes not to wear one then why? Do you not want to protect vulnerable shoppers and other staff? You don't have to - i get it- but there is lots of outrage about other people choosing not to wear a mask - they are putting others at risk, entitled, moany, etc.

So the conclusion I can draw is people a wearing them because they HAVE to. So maybe a moral judgement shouldn't be applied to it and people not shamed about it?

OP posts:
Supermarketworker06 · 27/07/2020 11:51

We don't HAVE to wear them if behind a screen, that's what the government said. Technically we don't HAVE to wear them on the shop floor, that's what the government says. Our employers now say they EXPECT us to wear them on the shop floor. Who pays our wages?
I'm not keen on masks but I'll wear a visor/ face covering when not on the till because my work has said they want us to. It'll also stop the absolute fuckwits who make an issue about it hopefully, although there's bound to be someone making an issue of checkout staff not wearing them.
I've worked all through this, when there was panic buying, rationing, no screens, no mandatory glove wearing, the implementation of social distancing, limiting numbers etc and I think it's a bit late for masks now.

Vivana · 27/07/2020 18:17

As other posters have said it's a bit late now for masks. When shop workers have worked right through this from the start. Because someone wears a mask now it makes no difference and should of been done from the start

Derbygerbil · 27/07/2020 18:36

As other posters have said it's a bit late now for masks. When shop workers have worked right through this from the start. Because someone wears a mask now it makes no difference and should of been done from the start

That makes as much sense as saying “there’s no point stopping smoking, you should never have started”.... and as for numbers being very low. They were very low in early February... six weeks later we were locked down. I really don’t want to repeat that.

dementedpixie · 27/07/2020 18:41

I think its an ideal time to wear them - when everyone is starting to go out and about more and may have more contact with other people

Sennetti · 27/07/2020 18:42

shop workers are fine not wearing a mask.....they are able to remain 2 meters away from customers (as long as the customers dont encroach on them) HCP's dont have that ability so need masks

tinierclanger · 27/07/2020 18:45

Bear in mind also that shop staff frequently have to answer customer queries, and that masks are a real issue for deaf and hard of hearing customers who rely on lip reading.

Sennetti · 27/07/2020 18:46

also, if you expect shop staff to all wear masks then don't also expect the shop to have full shelves

its hard work filling shelves and our store (non food) does not have a night crew to re-stock,we have to do that around the customers, during the day

with a mask on, up and down, ripping open boxes and up and down ladders its dangerous with the shoddy masks we are supplied with

Linnet · 27/07/2020 18:50

I’m in Scotland and all staff in shops and supermarkets are wearing masks or visors. I work in a public building and I have to wear one and my husband who works in a supermarket also wears one for all of his shift. He moves cages around and fills shelves all while wearing a mask.

Derbygerbil · 27/07/2020 18:53

Bear in mind also that shop staff frequently have to answer customer queries, and that masks are a real issue for deaf and hard of hearing customers who rely on lip reading.

Visors then, like they do in Next and other places.

Vivana · 27/07/2020 19:14

Derbygerbil

Actually no according to the government shop workers have a 75% chance of contracting covid then normal customers. So it should of been done at the beginning. I have seen people come so close even with social distances in place and the abuse shop workers have got. Even saw one man spit in the fave of my manager.

Vivana · 27/07/2020 19:14

Face *

Sennetti · 27/07/2020 19:20

@vivana we've had that aggression here too.......got up close to the girl on the till and said 'boo' right in her face

she had just returned from shielding family member

Derbygerbil · 27/07/2020 19:49

@Vivana

So it should of been done at the beginning.

I’m not disagreeing with that. I’m disagreeing that just because it should have been done much earlier doesn’t mean it’s not right to do now.

Hairthrowaway · 27/07/2020 19:56

Has anyone seen this video from NHS staff? Conspiracy theorists are having a field dayGrin

www.instagram.com/tv/CC1E5s0nXYX/?igshid=19q3ocjcatx5c

They’re essentially saying that it’s pointless for members of the public to wear masks, unless it’s FFP3 as they aren’t protected against coronavirus. But isn’t the point of the government’s guidance that masks are supposed to protect others rather than the wearer?

I know the government allows exemptions for retail and public transport staff, but some employers are making it mandatory and staff may face occupational health assessments/disciplinary action if they have no good reason to not wear one.