Masks. To wear or not to wear

[ripples101]

There are two premises:

1. Wearing a mask DOES help to reduce the spread of covid-19

2. Wearing a mask DOES NOT help to reduce the spread of covid-19

Obviously, only one of the statements above can be true.

First question: Which of the above statements do you agree with?

Next...

If you DO wear a mask, I think it's reasonable to assume that (for you), one or both of the following statements are true:

3. You do believe that wearing a mask does helps limit the spread

4. You do not have a physical or psychological reason that prevents
   you from doing so.

But if you DON'T wear a mask, then the reasons why could be any one (or any combination) of the following:

5. You have a physical or psychological reason that prevents you from doing so (but you still believe that wearing a mask does help reduce the spread)

6. You do have a physical or psychological reason that prevents you from doing so (but you don't believe that wearing a mask helps reduce the spread)

7. There is no point in wearing a mask because you believe that wearing a mask does not help to reduce the spread of Covid-19

8. You don't believe that you are at risk if you catch Covid-19

9. You won't be told what to do

10. You don't believe Covid-19 even exists

(11, 12, 13, etc. etc.) Insert any reason of your own here....

So the question to anyone/everyone.

Which number are you?

(You can choose more than one number!!!)

1 & 3

1,3,4

I take the view that even if mask wearing cuts transmission by only 10%, that's lives saved until a vaccine is available. So why wouldn't I.

I have very light cotton masks rather than hot sweaty polyester ones, and I forget I'm wearing one. And it's only for going round the supermarket so 40 minutes a week. It really isn't a problem.

The reason transmission rates are still rising is because, data suggests, most transmission seems to be happening within families where masks are clearly not going to be worn. That’s why the hospitality industry is so upset as my understanding is that transmission rates are relatively low in these mask wearing environments.

I wear one as it seems self evident that breathing into a mask and is going to limit the spread more than breathing over everybody.

8-ish. It increases my number of migraines and makes me anxious so I don’t wear them (not yet compulsory where I live). I think that given people are constantly fiddling with them, wearing them under their chins, etc I doubt they do much good. Given that I doubt they do much good I object to being told (in some shops) that I “have to” wear one. I just don’t go in those shops.

As far masks being used more yet cases increasing ... I think it’s hard to tell. I don’t entirely trust the numbers ... with deaths are they counting people dying with Covid as well as of Covid? I’m not sure. And they are testing a lot more now so it may appear numbers are going up despite mask use but perhaps not?

Bottom line, I’m not convinced they work enough, that bar coughing at someone or singing at them at I’m unlikely to make anyone ill (especially as we have one confirmed case per 80, 000+ people where I live so the chances of me being sick are pretty low). If I had symptoms yet for some reason had to go out, then I’d man up and do it (& get a migraine).

I simply wear a mask because I am required to in certain areas, such as in shops or on public transport.

I dislike wearing said mask and will whip it off or pull it down as soon as I can possibly get away with doing so.

I don't believe they work whatsoever.

I don't wear one, as physically, it's not possible.

A proper mask with filtration can slow the spread of Covid by reducing the chances the wearer will pass it on. But any old face covering? Never been tested or assessed or observed to have any effect.

@MiddleClassMother

I wear a mask in the supermarkets only, and doubt their effectiveness. People also seem to think they're a replacement for social distancing. That's why the cases are rising.

This. 100%.

@Topseyt

I simply wear a mask because I am required to in certain areas, such as in shops or on public transport.

I dislike wearing said mask and will whip it off or pull it down as soon as I can possibly get away with doing so.

Me too!

I wear a mask because it’s no hardship for me to do so and it ^^might make a difference. I’m not qualified to pronounce on the science either way.

1,3,4,8
I wear one when I have to, so I can buy stuff! I also give people a wide berth.
Our next door neighbour washes their paper tissue masks they’re now more of a pale grey than blue colour.
I think most people don’t wash masks, fiddle with it, take their noses out for a little sniff of fresh air, scratch noses, touch things and don’t wash their hands enough.
Take your mask, put it on and exhale through your mouth in front of a mirror - how effective is your mask... probably a little better than nothing but depends on it’s quality. Some people will go on their merry way sneezing and coughing everywhere (minus tissue) so I suppose it prevents the ‘spray’ factor slightly.

If that’s contained behind a mask it makes me sense to me to as a prevention measure

I wear a mask because it's a requirement by law when you go in to shops. Couldn't really be any simpler but still many struggle with simple rules

Wearing a mask always makes my nose run. I have to take my mask off to blow my nose. I don't know how to get round this. Any advice?

I wear a mask because it’s required in certain places. I have no idea if it helps. I suspect not as many people don’t use them properly. I dont wear it to protect myself or others just because I don’t want grief when I go into a shop.

I believe masks do help reduce the spread, but I don't believe they are particularly helping in the situations in which we where them.
Mandated in shops where you spend little more than a few seconds in any one person's company, but not mandated in secondary schools where they sit cheek by jowl? Or in pubs for the 30 seconds it takes to exit but not when sitting down?
I think the places they are needed are where there is prolonged contact in poorly ventilated places. Like schools and homes.
Don't get me wrong, I bloody hate the things and would not advocate for the above at all. But let's not kid ourselves that wearing them to walk round Tesco is going to do much to reduce the spread.

@MadCatLady71

I wear a mask because it’s no hardship for me to do so and it ^^might make a difference. I’m not qualified to pronounce on the science either way.

Yes, i like this

This is why i wear one to the best of my ability

And the only number that fits me is 4

Our next door neighbour washes their paper tissue masks confusedthey’re now more of a pale grey than blue colour

I accidentally washed some the other day and i was surprised at how good they still looked

(I binned them obviously)

1, 3 and a bit of 5. Although I wear a mask on the rare occasion I need to go out (had to go to local minor injuries unit yesterday), masks and me don't get along very well as I cough at the slightest bit of irritation. Since masks are fabric there can be tiny particles (probably dust) and sure enough, yesterday I suddenly could feel something in my throat, so had to make a dash to the loo and had a coughing fit (no doubt the next person would have been horrified had they known, but there were very few people there). I had some water to drink and it calmed down. There weren't many people around waiting so I took the mask off for awhile, then put it back on when able to. I hate the bastard things, but I do agree they're needed and will do my best to comply.

If you don't wear one I will politely assume you have a health condition that prevents it. If you bleat about losing your freedom, I will assume you are a selfish twat.

11. I honestly quite like wearing a mask, I've really got used to it. I actually wear it at home sometimes! I know, I'm a weirdo.

Offs, get a life.

@bellinisurge

If you don't wear one I will politely assume you have a health condition that prevents it. If you bleat about losing your freedom, I will assume you are a selfish twat.

Yes

I wear a mask because it's mandatory. I limit places I go that needs it though. No idea how effective they are unless they are proper medical masks.

@bellinisurge

TL:DR. Lesson learned as a parent about bodily fluids: Pissing without pants on spreads fluid everywhere. Pissing with pants on limits the spread a bit. Pissing into a nappy means it stays in the nappy.

Seems clever - but in practice it's actually better to keep a distance from others when pissing, preferable into a toilet, rather than wearing non-medical grade improvised cloth "nappy", sitting next to others, and hoping for the best.

If you more appropriately compare covid cough to diarrhoea:

1. stay home if uncontrolled due to illness,
2. distance and use toilet when going
3. Don't do it in company.