Is mask wearing limiting your economic participation?

[byvirtue]

I knew mask wearing was mandatory in shops but I hadn’t heard about the new restrictions that have come out today www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53702291

I had planned to head to a spa for a couple of days this month for my birthday and we were going to book a staycation in a hotel in September. We would have easily spent £2k on these trips.

Now it seems that masks are mandatory for spa treatments and in hotel public areas we won’t be going. I personally find face coverings unpleasant and they significantly reduce my enjoyment so I'd rather not bother.

We are fit and healthy with money to spend and were happy to get out and spend money prior to face coverings becoming mandatory. These new rules mean the opportunities for us to spend money have been notably reduced.

I’m curious are these extended face covering rules going to lead to you spending more or less now?

“ All the mask lovers can stomp their feet all they like and come up with stupid memes”

The one which relate non-mask wearing to weeing on each other without trousers on, or having your penis hanging out of your pants, made me laugh because they are so male-centred. If I wee with nothing on it doesn’t go on anyone except me - I’m a woman. No one needs protecting from my wee. And it’s ok folks, I don’t need the memes explained to me, just making the point

[quote lorn195]@SengaStrawberry As I’ve said before on here Covid will be the least of the worries of someone who dares to have a go at my son or me for him not wearing one.

Exactly what my husband has said if anyone challenges him for not wearing a mask as he too is exempt.[/quote]
Why so aggressive? Just say you are exempt and keep moving.

I was challenged for not wearing a mask yesterday (which, if anyone cares to look it up, is actually against the law according to the guidance- they can ask you to put one on but if you refuse they are not allowed to ask why or otherwise demand a reason). They have no idea why I cannot have my face covered and they are not permitted to question it either. So now instead of shopping in that local shop who has been pleading poverty the entirety of lockdown, I’m spending my money on amazon or online with the large supermarkets instead. I go out once a week to get essentials but I won’t even do that now. So yes. I’m spending less in my local economy because of the mask rule. I also fail to understand why I have to wear a mask and accept that I will be questioned by people in a shop who aren’t wearing one. I certainly won’t be participating in any leisure activities because of the fear of being questioned. Again.

@soasd

I genuinely don't understand this mentality that compliance is not enough. You must comply AND be happy about it. Why the need to control how people feel about something? I find it really odd

I don't think there really is that mentality. I think people just naturally don't respond well to threads full of people moaning. If there were suddenly tons of threads full of people moaning that seatbelts hurt their shoulders and dig into their necks and make them feel claustrophobic and make them not want to "participate in the economy" (lol) by driving to the shops, then I'd imagine they would receive the same response.

We have a number of posts in this thread illustrating precisely that mentality, there's no real doubt it exists. You aren't refuting that point either, you're saying you think it's understandable.

Interesting that larrygrylls has decided to change tack now, since he's evidently realised how ridiculous his previous posts were. Personally I think those who are unable to understand the difference between don't like and won't wear are the sort who harass exempt people and shout abuse at them.

@larrygrylls

NewKitty,

I think mask whingers encourage others not to wear them.

It is funny that I have seen zero threads on MN moaning about seat belt wearing, speed limits or pretty much any other infringement of our liberty in the cause of the general good.

I hate wearing a seat belt and remember how much more fun driving (and being a passenger) was when we did not have to wear them.

But I guess people realise that they save lives and the NHS money. So why does the same logic not apply to masks?

I don’t like wearing seatbelts. I’m short and they’re really uncomfortable. And sometimes I’ll say this is annoying when I’m wearing it.

I don’t have an exception, so I wear it. I have things in place to mitigate the irritation - adjust my seatbelt down and have a thing that wraps around so as to stop it rubbing my neck.

I don’t have an exception, so I wear one.

I have an exception to wearing a mask. I don’t have to wear one. So I don’t.

For the record. I’m trying, at home, with masks and face shields.

@alliejay81

Personally speaking, I'm spending less money due to covid. It's got nothing to do with masks I just don't like the faff of going out at the moment, it's just not enjoyable.

So my economic participation is less, but I don't actually buy into the right wing capital ideal that it's my responsibility to keep the economy going by spending.

It's leftie philosophy too. Constantly told that benefits are good and should be higher as those on benefits spend locally so good for the economy. Proponents of universal basic income say the same.

Sadly, I spend just as much. I would have grounds for exemption (lung problems) but think too many people use any excuse to avoid minor inconvenience and discomfort.
As someone said, seat belts can be irritating it we wear them.
I don’t enjoy massages, facials or that sort of thing, so it makes no difference. We eat out, we’ve been away a few times, we make purchases, we’ve been to outdoor cinema. We rather like that restaurants are less busy and hotels are quieter.
If you choose not to wear a mask (and in all but a tiny minority it is a choice) then we’ll not be disappointed if you stay away from places we use.
Far too much focus on money and consuming anyway.

If you choose not to wear a mask (and in all but a tiny minority it is a choice) then we’ll not be disappointed if you stay away from places we use.

Could you clarify how that's relevant to the topic of the thread?

@PiataMaiNei

If you choose not to wear a mask (and in all but a tiny minority it is a choice) then we’ll not be disappointed if you stay away from places we use.

Could you clarify how that's relevant to the topic of the thread?

I’d like evidence that it is a tiny minority.

I’d like evidence that it is a tiny minority.

It depends where you are. In a “mask compliant” area where the large majority wear them, i think it’s unreasonable to assume only a tiny minority of those that don’t wear them, can’t.

In a “mask averse” area where only a minority wear masks despite the law, it’s fair to assume that most who don’t wear them, in fact can.

No I mean I want evidence that only a tiny minority of people are legitimately entitled to an exemption. Because this keeps getting said on here and I can’t figure out how it’s such a “tiny” number. The list of people entitled to an exemption isn’t fixed - and the criteria used are flexible.

I am entitled due to trauma. I’m also entitled due to asthma. And I suppose physical obvious disability too (I walk with crutches).

My eldest is entitled due to a different disability.

And that’s just in one family of 4.

More to the point, what does it have to do with a discussion about people who aren't refusing to wear masks?

I wear one everywhere its required, I dont like it but it seems necessary and it is the law.
However, it means I only go places where I need one out of necessity. So I will go shopping for something I need but wont go for a wander around the shops to see if theres anything I fancy. If I do need to go to a shop I will go to that shop, get what I want and come home rather than visit a few shops just for a look or grab a coffee
I have also not been to a cinema, spa, beauty salon or similar (although I am finally due to get by hair cut next week).
So I have spent far less on leisure etc unfortunately

I am thinking a tiny minority who can’t because in other countries everyone usually does with very few exceptions. They seem to manage regardless of being a bit hot or steamy.

I accept this government is consciously vague to avoid making itself more unpopular and the exemptions mean more people aren’t required to, but that isn’t about can’t. If someone waiting or having a lung transplant can, there are few medical conditions that really mean you can’t (as opposed to don’t want to. There might be a few with trigeminal neuralgia who can’t, but most can.

@CherryPavlova

I am thinking a tiny minority who can’t because in other countries everyone usually does with very few exceptions. They seem to manage regardless of being a bit hot or steamy. I accept this government is consciously vague to avoid making itself more unpopular and the exemptions mean more people aren’t required to, but that isn’t about can’t. If someone waiting or having a lung transplant can, there are few medical conditions that really mean you can’t (as opposed to don’t want to. There might be a few with trigeminal neuralgia who can’t, but most can.

What are your medical qualifications for saying that?

I have severe asthma. I also have PTSD due to trauma.

Both of those allow me not to wear a mask.

How dare you dismiss the experiences of people like me.

No. I enjoy going to shops. However,I won't go to spa and cinema. Wearing mask for a long time in closed indoor space is terrible for me but I won't go neither even if mask is not mandatory in those places because I don't want to get virus or quarantine.

Definitely. Had to go to the shops yesterday, literally went in and got what l needed. Usually l would have a browse and a walk round but firstly was too hot yesterday and secondly it just isn't a pleasant experience. Not saying we shouldn't wear masks but it has changed things a lot.

@Drumple

It’s being unable to wear a mask, rather than a list of conditions, so there’s a lot of room for judgment. Some asthma suffers can, some can’t depending on a range of factors... It’s the same for those who’ve experienced trauma.

It’s the room for judgment that is causing the angst... as some people are abusing it and some people believe others are abusing it, and it’s leaving those with genuine reasons in an awful place.

Asthmatics are often advised to wear them in other countries where there is high air pollution.

I do understand that.

I’m taking issue with cherry saying unless you have trimengal neuralgia you can wear a mask.

The LAW allows me an exemption. I am using that exemption that the law allows. End of. I also have a lanyard and a badge that I wear when I’m out and about and if asked I have said I’m exempt.

But that isn’t enough. Why?

@CherryPavlova

Asthmatics are often advised to wear them in other countries where there is high air pollution.

First of all. I am not in other countries with high air pollution.

Second. The law allows me an exemption. Where are your medical qualifications to state that

there are few medical conditions that really mean you can’t (as opposed to don’t want to. There might be a few with trigeminal neuralgia who can’t, but most can.

Yes, I'd say so. Will visit shops to get exactly what I need but "fun" none essential shopping has definitely stopped. Don't find it enjoyable in the current climate.

[quote NewKittyMeow]@countrygirl99 Ah I didn’t realise Covid can read my mind and will spread more virulently despite me wearing a mask, just because I don’t like to wear it! Thanks for explaining 🤣🤣[/quote]
So long as they stick at masks and don't start demanding ritual sacrifices 😁

We’re spending far less! We used to go out to eat a lot, go for family days out, do sports and leisure activities each week. We also used to shop locally at the butcher, baker on weekends. At the moment we shop online as much as we possibly can and we stay home/ go for walks in remote quiet places. We don’t visit places we need masks because they make us feel so uncomfortable and we wouldn’t enjoy our day wearing them. I wouldn’t dream of not wearing one when necessary so I would always comply but we just aren’t spending the money on leisure that we used to. It’s quite nice in a way... I think we may make some permanent changes following this.

Drumple you are taking it as a personal attack when it is not about you personally. I’m well enough qualified.
It is about this country and you are entitled to not wear one - does that mean many people can’t? No, it means vague guidance as ever from the government. Deaths related to respiratory conditions in this country have fallen dramatically during lockdown- which suggests asthma and COPD are in part related to U.K. air pollution.