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Original poster

To think the government should enforce mask wearing by directing shops not to allow people in without them?

204 replies

MyNameIsNotMummy · 10/08/2020 18:59

I’m not talking about the very few people with genuine ‘exemptions’ . I’m talking whole families and couples who can’t all have medical/psychological issues so can’t wear them.

Several times over the last few weeks, I’ve seen young couples (only younger people funnily enough) and family groups not wearing masks in my local supermarket and town shops.

I asked my supermarket why they are letting them in and they said they can’t enforce it.

Why should I and the majority of people go through the discomfort of having to put one on when ignorant twats like that just decide they’re not going to. We’re protecting them but they don’t give a shit about protecting usAngry?

I think we should all start heckling them to get out and get a mask on like I’ve seen happen in the US.

AIBU in that they deserve to be shamed into wearing a mask if they government aren’t going to be stricter about it?

We all want to get back to normal. It’s imbeciles like this who are going to prolong it for the rest of us.

OP posts:
TheOnlyLivingBoyInNewCross · 12/08/2020 15:44

@PatMullins

I’m a healthcare worker and won’t see anyone with a mask
Without you wearing a mask or without them wearing a mask?

If you mean them, what about those people who are unable to wear a mask for whatever reason? Do they just not get healthcare? Confused

VashtaNerada · 12/08/2020 15:58

@OhReallyThen I take your point. The group I saw were five friends in their late teens / early twenties all travelling together without masks. You’re right though to say that one or more of them could have had a good reason. I’d be surprised if they all did. The police weren’t rude and I don’t think gave them an FPN, just words of advice.

Spikeyball · 12/08/2020 16:00

People cannot be refused treatment they need because they cannot wear a mask. There are adjustments that can be made that mean it can be done safely. The alternative is refusing to see amongst others people with autism, learning disabilities, dementia, young children and babies.

Lexilooo · 12/08/2020 16:15

How are you proposing we decide who is heckled and who is genuinely exempt?

How do you know that family don't all have an exemption? Some conditions run in families.

Are you planning to ban people with disabilities that make them unable to wear masks from leaving the house?

ElizabethWoodviIIe · 12/08/2020 17:58

@PatMullins

I’m a healthcare worker and won’t see anyone with a mask
Even those who are exempt? If so, that's disgraceful. Denying people medical treatment because they're disabled/have a health condition or MH condition. I'm fairly sure you're not allowed to do that, and quite rightly so.
LadyofTheManners · 12/08/2020 18:52

@PatMullins

*WITHOUT sorry Blush
Well then I hope you get disciplined then Disgraceful to refuse treatment to someone.
PatMullins · 12/08/2020 20:11

It’s not really a disciplinary offence when it’s a workplace policy. 100% of patients have complied so far so it seems they don’t take issue with it either.

BamboozledandBefuddled · 12/08/2020 20:30

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AnneElliott · 12/08/2020 20:38

I agree with pp that it's not worth it for retail staff to enforce it. I got threatened for asking a man to take a bottle of whiskey out of his trousers - no way would I want to be policing mask wearing!

Spikeyball · 12/08/2020 20:40

"It’s not really a disciplinary offence when it’s a workplace policy. 100% of patients have complied so far so it seems they don’t take issue with it either."

Do you think that everyone can wear a mask?

PatMullins · 12/08/2020 20:52

We’re fully aware of who is exempt and who just doesn’t want to wear one; for a routine, 5/10 minute pre-booked appointment where they are asked to wear a mask when they attend it’s a reasonable request.

Like I said, the patients don’t seem to take issue with the request; they have the option to use another service if they “just don’t want to wear one”

PatMullins · 12/08/2020 20:55

If I point blank refused to comply with a reasonable request by a service just because I didn’t want to, then I’d fully expect to be refused and could take myself elsewhere.

However - the fact that you hope I would get refused treatment - I’m complying with my workplace policy which is above me...what’s your excuse?

ElizabethWoodviIIe · 12/08/2020 20:57

@PatMullins

We’re fully aware of who is exempt and who just doesn’t want to wear one; for a routine, 5/10 minute pre-booked appointment where they are asked to wear a mask when they attend it’s a reasonable request.

Like I said, the patients don’t seem to take issue with the request; they have the option to use another service if they “just don’t want to wear one”

So do you allow for exemptions or not? You did say that you 'won't see anyone without a mask' after all...

Oh and if you're in the UK workplace policy has nothing to do with it. You can't deny someone medical treatment because they can't wear a mask.

PatMullins · 12/08/2020 21:00

I, personally, won’t. There is another member of staff who also won’t. But they are services they can use elsewhere and are given the option upon booking.

No-one is left dying on a trolley because they’re not wearing a mask.

ElizabethWoodviIIe · 12/08/2020 21:02

@PatMullins

I, personally, won’t. There is another member of staff who also won’t. But they are services they can use elsewhere and are given the option upon booking.

No-one is left dying on a trolley because they’re not wearing a mask.

So is it just two members of staff who won't or (legally questionable and discriminatory) 'workplace policy'?
PatMullins · 12/08/2020 21:03

As we are the only two members of staff who a) are currently seeing patients face-to-face and b) are not allowed extended PPE, yes.

BiBabbles · 12/08/2020 21:21

I'm baffled by the idea that someone would actually want military personnel involved in this. Hopefully you'll at least keep social distancing while you heckle shout abuse at strangers.

I have masks and face visors, have since March. They are, and have always been for the general public outside of medical/care settings, a back-up to other hygiene measures. Similar to vaccination, most people doing it and the many other measures in place is enough. It doesn't need to be everyone and no one just going about their shopping, keeping to the rest of the rules and generally not being an ass about it deserves to be shamed.

BamboozledandBefuddled · 12/08/2020 22:10

@PatMullins

If I point blank refused to comply with a reasonable request by a service just because I didn’t want to, then I’d fully expect to be refused and could take myself elsewhere.

However - the fact that you hope I would get refused treatment - I’m complying with my workplace policy which is above me...what’s your excuse?

I don't have an 'excuse'. I am exempt (for medical reasons) from wearing a mask in places wear they are legally required. I assume you can point me towards the legislation that mandates wearing a mask for medical treatment, with no exemptions? I know many people have looked for it but it seems rather elusive.
PatMullins · 12/08/2020 23:05

No, you feel I’m so unreasonable for requiring that my patients wear a mask for 5 minutes that you hope I am refused treatment one day.

I’ve stated my reasonings above for this, that I am complying with my employers policy and I’m asking what your excuse is for wishing for me to be declined treatment?

canigooutyet · 12/08/2020 23:27

Oh another one of the "caring" nhs staff. (Most of you are wonderful people, just well you work along side the not so caring)

The few medical appointments I have had so far, it has been mentioned masks to be worn. I have said I am exempt. No problem. Some have been quick 5 minute appointments.

Had I been referred elsewhere I would have asked why.
If it was because 100% mask compliance I would put in a complaint attaching the government guidelines and the corona legislation.

canigooutyet · 12/08/2020 23:29

People wish the same happens to you so you experience first hand what it is like when the "care" provider says no to your very reasonable request.

HeIenaDove · 12/08/2020 23:31

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OpalMoons · 12/08/2020 23:31

Make it law. I work at Mcdonalds, majority wear them, but some don't and some that don't are rude

elenacampana · 12/08/2020 23:42

The military and heckling to enforce mask wearing?

Silly ideas.

mathanxiety · 12/08/2020 23:45

If they're asymptomatic it's pretty much impossible for them to pass it to you

@Alabamawhirly1

People who are asymptomatic have the same viral load as those with symptoms.

A sneeze from hay fever or a cough from a covid-asymptomatic person and they will spread it.

This is why the WHO recommends masks.