Being asked to wear a mask on playground at school pickup

[CovidChristmas]

Just had an email from primary school to say only one person allowed to pick up and they must wear a mask. It seems to have come from our local council so I am wondering if this is the case in other areas.
I have to say it seems a bit much as we are all outdoors, spaced out and we already have a staggered kick out time.

[MissDollyMix]

For those asking ‘why wouldn’t you?’ Because there is virtually no chance of passing on Covid standing outside for less than 5 minutes whilst also socially distancing. A mask in that situation is pointless, in fact potentially more risky thanks to all of the folk who wear dirty masks, constantly touch them, don’t wash their hands after taking them off, think it means they don’t have to distance anymore etc etc. In this respect, in my opinion, the risks outweigh the benefit.

[AlecTrevelyan006]

Mission creep

[WishMyNameWasWittyNotShitty]

We have had to wear masks since term start, we also have staggered start/finish times, 1 parent/carer and people are meant to social distance, however I am seeing more and more people drift towards each other, and also children not staying away from other parents.
Tbh the masks are ok as it's a short time, but I have seen a few kids (mine included) look twice at who is collecting them, and my reception child's teacher has yet to see anything below my eyes on my face!

[RepeatSwan]

@SunshineCake

For goodness sake. Just wear the bloody mask. It is for a few moments, it could save someone getting ill or dying.

This.

How can such a small thing seem 'a bit much'?

[ShinyGreenElephant]

Same in ours but were in a local lockdown area. Parents are still congregating so I think it's best, even if outside. Only takes one big cough!

[Johnny1963]

We've been asked to wear masks at our primary for pick up and drop off since the start of term and most parents are doing it. Where we are in S. London most people are wearing masks out and about so I think most people were expecting it.

[Chaosalloveragain]

We have to do it.

What's the big deal? Just wear one.

[Chaosalloveragain]

Teachers wear them too here.

I do wonder if they make any difference but right now I'll try anything.

[WankPuffins]

Our school implemented it from Monday.

I was already wearing one though. Small area to pick up. Made sense to wear one.

[justanotherneighinparadise]

Same with us although we’re not on school grounds 🙄. I’m finding it the ultimate pain at the moment to deal with a mask, two small kids, a handful of crap and trying to talk without choking on the bloody thing. I need a design that enables me to communicate and doesn’t steam up my glasses so I’m blind.

[justanotherneighinparadise]

Just to add I’m there for a long time morning and afternoon due to staggered starts. So my irritation is not just for a minute or two. It’s for around an hour a day.

[BogRollBOGOF]

@MissDollyMix

For those asking ‘why wouldn’t you?’ Because there is virtually no chance of passing on Covid standing outside for less than 5 minutes whilst also socially distancing. A mask in that situation is pointless, in fact potentially more risky thanks to all of the folk who wear dirty masks, constantly touch them, don’t wash their hands after taking them off, think it means they don’t have to distance anymore etc etc. In this respect, in my opinion, the risks outweigh the benefit.

This.

This is where my line is drawn.
I walk to school at a brisk pace. This is one of the prime conditions for a face covering to get me hyperventilating very quickly.

I'm not carrying around the bulky, flimsy visors that I wear for shopping that will instantly steam up from breath and sweat in the colder air.

Moving around outdoors and socially distanced, I will not be covering my face. The benefits do not outweigh the personal hazard.

This is the line where I cease with empty, performances for the sake of looking like you are doing something. I have spent 6 months in a shadow existance and I will not play hyperventilating roulette 2-4 times a day for no substantiated reason.

[WildCherryBlossom]

All adults (teachers, parents, maintenance etc) have to wear masks in the grounds of our primary. Fairly normal isn't it?

[everythingthelighttouches]

Yes, for a week or two.

It is a large gathering of adults.

You may have enough space to distance at your school but many in your county won’t .

[peppermintteadrinker]

It's crazy. We weren't packed in like sardines before the new rules but we are now. If they'd let us get on with it as normal then it'd be much better

[onedayinthefuture]

Over the summer, zoos, parks, beaches, theme parks and other tourist attractions were packed. There was NO increase then..... outside I really think the risk is minimal and the stats back that up! Bloody ridiculous. What next, wearing them in our own homes!

[Ellsbells12]

Yep we have been asked too

[LindaEllen]

It is a general rule here in my town in the North West, but we're in a local lockdown, so that might have something to do with it.

[Marmite27]

@CovidChristmas

Just had an email from primary school to say only one person allowed to pick up and they must wear a mask. It seems to have come from our local council so I am wondering if this is the case in other areas.
I have to say it seems a bit much as we are all outdoors, spaced out and we already have a staggered kick out time.

We’ve been asked to do this since day one. I don’t get what your issue is?

[MagpieSong]

Yes, we’ve just been asked to do the mask (Wales). We did the one person and staggered times already. It’s just extra precaution as children may not social distance well and others queuing for pick up may be vulnerable.

[aToadOnTheWhole]

Standard here from week 2. Schools are being cautious, large groups of people close together.

But reading between the lines from talking to a teacher friend, the head isn't willing to take the chance, then the blame then a public crucifixion if cases rise in school and they have to close completely again "when they could have done xxx etc"

[DappledThings]

Not happening here. If they do I'll comply but with an eyeroll and it will be for the minimum possible time.

What we've had is a request for parents to stop standing so far away from each other and stretching 30 metres up the path because the teacher can't easily see people to release the children!

[AlecTrevelyan006]

why on earth should anyone have to wear a mask outdoors? it is absolute madness.

thecritic.co.uk/issues/october-2020/democracy-muzzled/

Covid masks are a potent symbol of the West’s headlong flight from Enlightenment values

[justoffshift]

INeed - this is in Cambridge. My DS told me that they all wear masks inside. Interestingly the rule for parents is at that school, at DS2 state nursery but not his private one.

[DipSwimSwoosh]

Why is everyone so sneery? Why all the ffs and just wear it and it's no big deal? Covering your face is a big deal. It's not law, not necessary, and a big ask.