Making masks mandatory outdoors

[zen1]

I’ve seen this is happening in Italy and Germany. I’ve got an awful feeling this might be in the pipeline here (UK) in the not too distant future. What do other people think? I’m not convinced of the efficacy of masks actually doing much to stop the transmission (unless medical grade) and I can’t imagine having to do this.

Useful at school drop-off and pick-up (could and should be introduced), and in crowded streets or outdoor queues (guidance only). Otherwise pointless and shouldn't be.

I won’t do it. I have had enough.

Most people have.

I do wear one at school pick up as it’s crowded and I can’t always be 2m away

Other than that - no way. This is ridiculous now.

Where is the evidence it’s safe for lungs to wear these things for hours at a time?

Don't mind now it's heading towards the winter. Keeps the nose warm.

I will be pretty annoyed if it's everywhere outdoors, didn't see another human being on my 5 mile walk earlier. In busy places like high streets it's different and I'm ok with that

There will be a lot more people wearing a mask below their nose.

"Oops, officer, it slipped!"

Passive resistance will see such a law fail.

Absolutely not. Is the lack of oxygen (from mask wearing) killing off people’s brain cells? The likelihood of transmission outside is tiny.

Here’s a radical solution....if you want to wear a mask outside go ahead, if you don’t, dont!

We don’t need a law for bloody everything, the infantilisation of our population and the blind acceptance by the majority is seriously concerning.

[quote zen1]Just seen this headline in today’s Times
www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/doctors-call-for-masks-to-be-compulsory-outside-as-well-397j3rh2c[/quote]
I read that this morning, and it pissed me right off.

No mention of scientific studies saying why it would help.

Just the head of the BMA basically saying "we're going to say 'all the time' instead of just 'indoors in spaces like shops' because people are too thick to understand a rule with exceptions."

I tell you what's counterproductive: producing rules which have no basis in science or common sense, but are instead based on "keeping the messaging simple" (i.e. treating people as if they are thick). Put a stupid rule in place, and no-one will pay any attention to it.

Personally, I'd cope. But it would have the effect of placing my 81 year old DDad under house arrest, because he wouldn't be able to breathe well enough with one on to go for his daily walk. At which point... well I have serious worries about his mental health and what he might end up doing at that point.

Is the lack of oxygen (from mask wearing) killing off people’s brain cells?

Masks don't limit our blood oxygen.
Even as a joke, it's

Where is the evidence it’s safe for lungs to wear these things for hours at a time?

Surgeons doing long surgeries?

Workers in dusty environments?

Outside where SD is possible - no
at a demo or other places where SD is not possible - yes
When I go from shop to shop I often don't bother to remove the mask.

www.iza.org/publications/dp/13319/face-masks-considerably-reduce-covid-19-cases-in-germany-a-synthetic-control-method-approach

In crowded areas/queues/school pick up yes, out on a country walk or run or National Trust style parkland activity no fucking way. Just no.

What's the obsession with masks?

I'll wear one in shops but good hygiene and social distancing is more important. What's a bigger hazard, me on my solo walk, not being close to human being, or loads of people on a protest march with a cover on their face all huddled together?

I'll wear one in shops but good hygiene and social distancing is more important.

Do you have recent scientific data to back that up?

Because the evidence is mounting towards aerosol spreading and smaller droplets that can spread longer than the 2 m.

And surface spreading doesn't seem to be that important.

No wonder the confirmed cases for both countries are lower than other European countries. I always wear a face mask wherever I go.

@5thriver even on a solo country walk where you won’t encounter anyone?

The only reason I wouldn't be fine with this is because my glazed steam up and I can't see!

Time for some mass civil disobedience if they try to make this a law.

I think in shopping streets, school drop offs etc it's a good idea. My school has requested that parents wear masks on site for pickup and drop-off and everyone has been very compliant. Walking in the woods with hardly anyone around would seem a bit pointless.

On the few chilly days we've had so far it was actually quite nice having a mask to keep your face warm.

I think they woukd do better to mandate mask wearing at indoor workplaces first though.

Fuck that. I really struggle with masks (glasses wearer plus they bring on claustrophobia) but I do it in shops and on trains, on the rare occasions I have to use one. I rip it off as I exit as I hit my limit.

I only really venture out regularly to exercise at the moment. I'm not sure a mask would help my 5k time...

Where is the evidence it’s safe for lungs to wear these things for hours at a time?

Is this a serious question?

Is the lack of oxygen (from mask wearing) killing off people’s brain cells?

No but clearly something is...

If it was whilst walking through the city centre or whatever when it's pretty crowded then sure, for going on a rural walk where you barely see anyone else then no, it's ridiculous. I imagine a lot of people would be less inclined to exercise with a mask on.

I hope not. Won't be so bad walking the dogs but I don't wanna go running for hours with one on 😭

There is a lot of hysteria about masks...

Oh indeed there is...