Masks in Cinemas, Museums etc.

[Rockhopper81]

So from August 8th, face coverings will become mandatory in cinemas, museums, 'indoor places where you will potentially be with people you don't know'.

I admit, I don't get it. I can go for a meal in a pub without wearing a covering, as they record details for test-and-trace, and have distanced the tables. But I will need to wear a covering to sit in a cinema, where there are already restrictions on seats (Cineworld, for example, requires two empty seats be left between groups bookings - admittedly not vertically, but horizontally), and my details are there when I make the booking on the app?

I can walk around a play park with my nephews without wearing a face covering (maintaining social distancing), but I can't do the same in a museum?

I can't be the only person who thinks this is going to dissuade people from going - is it really enjoyable to wear a face covering to a 'fun' event??

It's not ideal but I'd rather have them open and have to wear a mask than closed down indefinitely.

@AldiAisleofCrap What is the wording of the law regarding masks? The only law I'm aware of currently relating to Covid is not gathering in groups of more than 30, all the rest is merely advice but I suppose if they're able to fine people for not wearing a mask it must be in the law somewhere, could you link it? I'd be interested to see it.

I suppose if the cinemas aren't going to enforce or particularly encourage mask wearing when seated then it matters little what the letter of the law is anyway. I'll be pleased to remove mine once seated and I expect quite a few others will too but that's up to them.

I don’t think cinemas or anywhere else can enforce it particularly can they? The government guidelines talk about not challenging people who are not wearing masks so presumably businesses basically have to make the assumption that people who are not wearing masks are doing so because they are exempt??

During hot weather my mask traps my hot breath on my face inside the mask. It’s utterly horrible. DH is now doing a bit more food shopping. I’m probably not going to go anywhere much. I’d have to travel into London wearing a mask to go to a gallery and at the moment I’d rather not. Lots of other things I enjoy are outside. So hoping that’s not affected when it restarts.

I’ve no idea why my face gets so hot and clammy under the mask. Nearly sweat running down. Obviously a mask is designed to keep my breath inside the mask but boy it’s hot.

@My0My are you using a cotton mask with an air vent? I find them much more comfortable.

@My0My something like this

I was hoping to see a film before the mask rule but haven’t had the chance yet. There aren’t even any films I desperately want to see, I just want some more normality and the tickets are practically half price at the moment.

I’m getting used to masks but I wouldn’t really want to wear one for a whole film. But I might just suck it up. I miss losing myself to a new story and having zero interruptions or responsibility for a couple of hours!

@Darcydashwood

Cineworld have shared on social media this afternoon that masks are mandatory everywhere but in your seat while watching the film.

Ah, that’ll teach me for not RTFT. Thanks for sharing, that’s my local cinema chain so I feel reassured. I’m not keen on masks at all (could get exemption as I’m autistic but like many on this thread I hate confrontation and the idea people are judging me) but can just about manage the getting tickets sorted etc and then take it off in my seat. I don’t feel so pressured to go ASAP now so will see what films come up. Quite a few classics being shown too!