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.

We're saying no because it's jobsworthy bullshit.

@Witchlight

And here we have it! Unless there is a medical reason for not wearing a mask, why would you not? Are you so precious that you believe rules don’t apply to you? If the rule come in, obey it.

I bet most of the people saying they would refuse because of X,Y or Z are the first to complain when they can’t see a doctor when they’re ill. I bet they also complain about pretty much everything. The reason that rules have to come in saying all outside circumstances is because selfish, entitled idiots will twist any loopholes, then complain that “they” aren’t bringing the virus down.

I wouldn't because it's completely pointless if I see one or two other people when I'm out for a walk or cycling past someone as we can keep a distance from each other. Maybe in a busy town centre (I just wouldn't go) but it really isn't necessary everywhere.

That's should have said busy town centre, if there's any of those left now.

www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-antibody-testing-chicago-rate-northwestern-20201009-jxzpyewzlrcgnny2fyflupqdcq-story.html

Maybe masks are a good idea even at home.

Agree, @Witchlight.

@Witchlight

And here we have it! Unless there is a medical reason for not wearing a mask, why would you not? Are you so precious that you believe rules don’t apply to you? If the rule come in, obey it.

I bet most of the people saying they would refuse because of X,Y or Z are the first to complain when they can’t see a doctor when they’re ill. I bet they also complain about pretty much everything. The reason that rules have to come in saying all outside circumstances is because selfish, entitled idiots will twist any loopholes, then complain that “they” aren’t bringing the virus down.

Not precious at all. Infection rates were consistently low over the summer months when people were at packed theme parks, tourist destinations etc. In fact a hell of a lot of people managed NOT to catch it at supermarkets at the height of all this before masks were even mandated. I would say that mask wearing isn't actually working, it's got worse since mask wearing has been enforced.

@Funkypolar

Printed off an exemption card as I have legitimate health issues. Not wearing a mask outside.

But do you need to not wear one? I have asthma, therefore I have a legitimate health issue. I could get out of wearing one, but.... I can wear one, except maybe 1-2 days per year.

If you need to be exempted, absolutely, you should be. However, just because you can, doesn’t mean should.

I don’t know you or your health issue, I don’t know if you need this exemption. But I do know a lot of people who are using health issues as a means to selfishly get out of wearing a mask. It makes it so much worse for this season who need to keep their face uncovered.

Haven't RTFT. I can see the argument for mandatory mask wearing in very crowded outdoor areas where social distancing is impossible. But in any other context I'd consider imposition of mask wearing outdoors as an outrageous infringement of civil liberties which will have no meaningful impact on the spread of the virus, as there is zero evidence of widespread transmission of the virus outdoors between people who briefly pass each other in the street etc. I could see it being a positively damaging policy, as it would probably stoke anti-mask sentiment generally when there is evidence that mask wearing is a sensible risk reduction measure in some situations such as on public transport.

@mathanxiety

www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-antibody-testing-chicago-rate-northwestern-20201009-jxzpyewzlrcgnny2fyflupqdcq-story.html

Maybe masks are a good idea even at home.

Masks are really not a good idea at home.

Surely the fact that I share a bed with DH would make it a completely pointless exercise anyway

@Witchlight actually no, I’m not a selfish idiot, I’ve happily complied with indoor masks, lockdown restrictions and actually when we had to self isolate waiting for a test we contacted all our close contacts (only 3 as we’re sensible) to let them know - which is actually a step beyond the rules. I also said there are some outdoor situations where, yes, I would wear one. However a blanket ‘masks everywhere outdoors’ is a line I’m not willing to take as I live in the countryside and I come across very few people outside.

But thank you for your rather reactionary judgement I hope you feel good for it.

Oneday, infection rates generally reduce in the summer and rise in the winter. I think it is likely this phenomenon, rather than the lack of infection rates in the summer.

The BMA have called for face masks to be made mandatory news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-doctors-call-for-mandatory-masks-in-offices-and-outdoors-in-new-wish-list-12100589

But I’m sure you know better and are an experienced statistician who has studied the reasons for the rise and fall of this virus. Me, I think I’ll follow people who have trained for very many years and have some understanding of the issues.

I think part of it is, there’s no end date for any of these new rules, some of which don’t seem to be evidence-based. I think if it was for a short time only, more people would comply.

Also Witchlight If the rule come in, obey it. I don’t believe in following rules without question. Look at the 10pm shenanigans - where’s the evidence for that?

Not read the whole thread but I read something the other day which said that a damp/wet mask is pretty ineffective. Given our rainy climate it seems a particularly low-value requirement to impose.

I live in a country where masks are mandatory inside and out it's no big deal, soon got used to it

I think the Government will not go this far...they have lost all support and trust pretty much now already..they know this will just get laughed out/ignored. For those who want to wear a mask all the blimmin time they can go ahead!! The rest of us will only do so where this is no alternative...

@Hollyhead and @PinkSparklyPussyCat the reason a ‘blanket masks everywhere outdoors’ is needed is because people have so little common sense and appear completely unable to make sensible judgements If it will put them out. There have been people saying the local lockdown rules are too complicated for people to follow. There have been people who have decided not to adhere to the rules because x,y,z. It doesn’t matter if x,y,z are completely legitimate ie not seeing many people while out, as as soon as there are exceptions people abuse them.

The number of people saying they will print off an exemption certificate, just because they can, rather than because they need to is indicative of the number of people who would abuse the rules if they were blanket rules.

Also Witchlight If the rule come in, obey it. I don’t believe in following rules without question. Look at the 10pm shenanigans - where’s the evidence for that?

I agree that it is quite right to question things, but just because you don’t understand why, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t comply. You get to vote out the people who made them at election time.

I refer you to the sky news link above, where the BMA have requested the government to make this rule.

have you singed up to be a covid marshall yet? Sounds right up your street.

What a load of shit. No way will I be doing this. They can try and fine me but they will have to catch up with me first.

It wouldn't bother me. I forget I'm wearing one.

@Witchlight, if I am walking along the towpath with no one around or out on my bike I won't be wearing a mask, it's pointless.

It won't happen and it is unenforceable.

Witchlight, I am aware of the BMA recommendations (I posted a link to the Times article earlier in the day). But the scientific community does not all speak with one voice. Many other scientists / virologists have suggested the current measures have gone too far. Incidentally, I didn’t vote these clowns in in the first place.

Yeah fuck that. Again Boris in case you're reading: fuck that.