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Original poster

Making masks mandatory outdoors

320 replies

zen1 · 09/10/2020 18:54

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.

OP posts:
Witchlight · 10/10/2020 19:37

Not really, I have too little patience for people who a) think they understand more than experts (I exclude all politicians from this category) and b) try to twist and circumnavigate rules to their own end. It means we will need a blanket rule, when if people were reasonable and less selfish lonely country walks could be maskless.

Quaagars · 10/10/2020 19:39

I already wear a mask when I go in shops, and half the time if I'm having a wander round town I just keep my mask on for ease rather than taking it on and on off again.
So wouldn't really bother me tbh!

PicsInRed · 10/10/2020 19:41

@Witchlight

Not really, I have too little patience for people who a) think they understand more than experts (I exclude all politicians from this category) and b) try to twist and circumnavigate rules to their own end. It means we will need a blanket rule, when if people were reasonable and less selfish lonely country walks could be maskless.
A blanket rule would be masks at all times, including in bed asleep.

Shall we do it? Yeah! Let's fahght this deadly vahrus.

Sleepyblueocean · 10/10/2020 19:41

How is mask wearing on lonely country walks going to be enforced. People hiding behind trees and rocks trying to catch the maskless?

Tootletum · 10/10/2020 19:47

Would that be the same BMA that wants self ID for trans people and full access to the same spaces as the gender they identify with? Yes? Well then, not remotely political or trying to undermine the government...
www.bma.org.uk/bma-media-centre/leading-doctors-affirm-trans-and-non-binary-rights-in-healthcare

ItsAlwaysSunnyOnMN · 10/10/2020 19:55

I think this is a likely step

If it helps reduce the spread of the virus then so be it it’s not forever

MiracletoCome · 10/10/2020 19:57

Well, that will be pleasant if it’s cold wet and windy, either a soggy bit of cloth stuck on your face or a limp drippy disposable one dripping down your neck

Original poster
zen1 · 10/10/2020 20:12

The BMA is just a trade union. Trade unions offer advice to the Government all the time based on their own agendas.

OP posts:
Witchlight · 10/10/2020 20:19

Ok, I understand that the BMA might not be the most a-political body and that you can find experts that disagree. But the BMA represents the main consensus of experts.

Also, have you seen the graph of the virus trends in Europe.
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/cpsprodpb/3DF7/production/_114836851_second_wave_europe_10oct-nc.png

Guess which two countries make wearing masks outside mandatory.

If the government make wearing masks outside mandatory, everyone should comply, even if you don’t want to, even if you don’t see a need to, even if you didn’t vote for them, because it will be the law. I didn’t vote for them and won’t want to wear a mask, but will obey the law. I will obey the law even if I find it difficult - except for the couple of days a year when asthma means i can’t.

Do people on Mumsnet consider the law optional?

MiracletoCome · 10/10/2020 20:22

Isn’t it the BMA that want all the over 60s to be given medical masks, that sounds like a good idea, I could do with some free ones. Hopefully it will be a lot of them so I can wear a nice fresh one each time.

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 10/10/2020 20:25

@MiracletoCome

Isn’t it the BMA that want all the over 60s to be given medical masks, that sounds like a good idea, I could do with some free ones. Hopefully it will be a lot of them so I can wear a nice fresh one each time.
What a great idea, more disposable masks. I really hope DH doesn't get given any, we've got boxes of the bloody things that he hasn't worn as he's not working!
Witchlight · 10/10/2020 20:25

[quote Tootletum]Would that be the same BMA that wants self ID for trans people and full access to the same spaces as the gender they identify with? Yes? Well then, not remotely political or trying to undermine the government...
www.bma.org.uk/bma-media-centre/leading-doctors-affirm-trans-and-non-binary-rights-in-healthcare[/quote]
Not sure they are undermining the government with the exception of Liz Truss and the Baroness. I think most of the government machine has well and truly been captured and has capitulated alongside nearly all the political parties, unions et al.

Fingers crossed for the judicial review.

Lweji · 10/10/2020 20:27

@Lweji

Doctors:

Masks should be mandatory outdoors as well as indoors when there is a risk of coming within two metres of other people , doctors have urged.

Title: "Masks should be mandatory outside"

The devil is in the details. Confused

Reposting
Witchlight · 10/10/2020 20:30

I do think that if this comes in, free masks need to be given to all on UC, or in receipt of tax credits. I’m not sure how they have dealt with this in Germany and Italy. Most people can afford the masks, but some will find it a struggle.

I know there are ways to make your own with cloth (better for the environment) but disposable ones will have a place.

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 10/10/2020 20:34

I wish someone would come up with a way to deal with the spots caused by the stupid things!

mathanxiety · 10/10/2020 20:37

@PinkSparklyPussyCat

Did you read the article?

Hopefully, if you were living with a HCP or someone likely to have covid, you would not be sharing a bed or even a bedroom.

Witchlight · 10/10/2020 20:39

I wish someone would come up with a way to deal with the spots caused by the stupid things!

I think the trick is to wear minimal/no make up other than moisturiser- a nurse friend passed this on. “Big-eyes” will become the fashion.

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 10/10/2020 20:41

In an ideal world we wouldn't, but as we live in a one bedroom flat we'll be sharing a bed even if one of us gets covid.

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 10/10/2020 20:43

I haven't worn make up since March so it's not that. I agree about big eyes, I've got my next LVL appointment booked!

FreshFreesias · 10/10/2020 20:43

Masks outside is a daft idea.
We need oxygen not stale CO2

mathanxiety · 10/10/2020 20:45

You could protect each other by wearing masks indoors, @PinkSparklyPussyCat...

Funkypolar · 10/10/2020 20:47

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 10/10/2020 20:47

@mathanxiety are you talking about if one of us have it or just in general?

bathorshower · 10/10/2020 20:47

Wearing a mask for any form of exercise really wouldn't be fun, and for vigorous exercise it would be very unpleasant. There are lots of health benefits to exercise - surely we don't want to discourage people from taking it?

And to those pointing out that you'd only need to wear a mask if you expected to come within 2m of someone, my question is, for how long? I typically cycle, starting in a city centre, so while I'm only within 2m of others momentarily, I will be that close to a number of people along my route; you'd have to be very certain of not seeing anyone else to be sure you'd not be within 2m of anyone at any point.

mathanxiety · 10/10/2020 20:57

In general. You can transmit covid even though you're asymptomatic. Even if symptomatic, by the time someone has symptoms it's too late for the people they live with.

Certainly if either or both of your work away from home or in a healthcare setting you could consider it.