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Original poster

Having to wear a mask all day

24 replies

YellowEllis · 28/10/2020 08:43

I work for the NHS in an admin role, my office is too small to fit both of us in with social distancing and as I'm lower risk I've been told I have to work from the library whilst my colleague remains in the office.

I initially had to just wear a mask walking in and out, but once at a desk was ok, now I have to wear one all day. I just find them awful, sweaty and like I can't get a full breath. We've been told we have to wear the blue medical ones.

Is this fair? I'm asthmatic but haven't used that as a reason to not wear one, I'm happy to wear one in shops, in the hospital etc and do my bit but I'm finding 8 hours a day quite hard.

OP posts:
Happyface120 · 28/10/2020 08:44

Same as all us clinical staff then...

RancidOldHag · 28/10/2020 08:44

When you start, it feels really intrusive. But when you've been doing it a while you'll barely notice.

Original poster
YellowEllis · 28/10/2020 08:45

@Happyface120

Same as all us clinical staff then...
I get that, but I'm not clinical. I'm sat a desk on my own at the back of the library. It's not my fault they can't accommodate me in the office, I've been cooperative and worked in the library for months now despite it making my job harder and having no access to my files. To have to be uncomfortable for the entire time on top of that doesn't really seem fair.
OP posts:
WhiteChocTwix · 28/10/2020 08:46

Just wanted to say I sympathize OP. Been finding the same since I've been back at work. Am with a new team so it's also very difficult to read whether you're doing a good job when everyone has their faces covered.

Wafflehouse · 28/10/2020 08:52

There’s lots of us in this boat I’m afraid. I work 8 hours in a supermarket, physical work, lots of walking and lifting, no sitting down, and I have to wear one for the whole shift, except my 30 mins break. The amount of people pulling at their masks and moaning about wearing one for the length of doing a shop is quite annoying.

I can’t imagine having to be in the full gear all day in a clinical setting or like hairdressers who are working with heat in it.

If you have a medical reason to be exempt, don’t wear one. But don’t wear it when you don’t have to and then complain about it, it’s a nuisance but it’s just how things are right now.

WitchDancer · 28/10/2020 09:01

Have you tried using a mask spacer? It's a little plastic frame that goes under your mask and helps with the air flow so you're not breathing in hot air. It's the only way I can wear a mask for any length of time.

starfish4 · 28/10/2020 09:07

I know it's not great, but many of us are having to do it. Although, a mask protects more,your place are particularly asking employees with asthma to wear them so they do have some protection, especially as they're more at risk. Just glad I'm not in full ppe all day, so not complaining.

LH1987 · 28/10/2020 09:14

Second the suggestion of the plastic frame, I would struggle to wear a mask for a prolonged period without one.

Rabbitholebonkers · 28/10/2020 09:31

I would struggle too OP. The steam on my glasses is horrific. It doesn’t matter if you’re not clinical, you never chose to be, although I was waiting for the oneupmanship from someone. If you’re exempt, don’t wear one.

Hardbackwriter · 28/10/2020 09:43

If you don't have access to your files in the library then what's the advantage of being there rather than at home? Is it about remote access to the network?

GirlCrush · 28/10/2020 09:44

I’ve just ordered some plastic frame inserts....thanks for that whoever mentioned them!

I wear my mask 8 hours a day in a physical role in retail, but my glasses fog up

I’ve actually tripped as I can’t see. Potential health and safety issue so if I can help myself I will do!

Lifeisshortandbitterswet · 28/10/2020 10:26

I work in end of life care, so full ppe for every shift. I've found putting a few drops of peppermint oil inside the mask really helps with breathing while wearing one

OpheliasCrayon · 28/10/2020 11:05

I used to wear one all day in the school I used to work with. It drove me mad at first but then I got used to it. I have chest issues (arthritis in my sternum/ribs) which I thought might make it difficult but I'm fine. I've never considered it a reason not to wear one but I thought all day might be tough. I was fine and got used to it.

I personally thought it was completely pointless but rules are rules.

cleverknot · 28/10/2020 11:08

Why are you in library with no access to files; wouldn't it make more sense to work from home?

Vivana · 28/10/2020 11:43

I have to wear full ppe for 12 hours shifts and bliming hate it and my skin is so crap now but I rather wear it then give someone covid

Clandestiney · 28/10/2020 15:15

Same as all us clinical staff then...

So?

bigchris · 28/10/2020 15:18

I'd ask your boss if you can work at home

shitonitbambinos · 28/10/2020 19:43

I'm not sure how exemptions work in the nhs as it's a requisite of being on site to have a mask on. I guess they'd set you up wfh? Would that be a better option?

It's crap. I work full time, 5 days a week and wear one all day everyday bar my lunch break. My skin is crap, my eyes are dry and sore and I go home with a massive headache. But it's the rules and we have no choice.

Mangofandangoo · 28/10/2020 19:46

Why don't you try and get a visor as that may be easier

BrightSunshineDay · 28/10/2020 19:47

If you're actually on your own in a room them a mask is pointless. Who are you supposed to be protecting?

VioletCharlotte · 28/10/2020 21:04

We've just introduced this rule at my trust as well. Cases of staff-to- staff transmission are high and not all staff are following social distancing guidance, so now masks are required at all times, unless you're in an office by yourself. However the vast majority of admin staff are working from home, is there a reason you can't do this?

Tanfastic · 28/10/2020 21:34

Same here all day every day even sat at our desks two metres apart. It's hellish and I can't say I'm getting used to it. I'm talking a lot on the phone as well which is hideous.

We've managed to get wfh one day a week for some "relief" but won't get anymore. Is this an option for you?

If not then Unfortunately unless you are in an office on your own you'll just have to put up with it. I wear glasses and mine are constantly steaming up. I've stopped wearing earrings and as much make up as find these things just make it even more uncomfortable. I try and change mine very regularly as a fresh one always helps. Other than that I have no tips to make you feel better. It's truly shit.

RoseAndRose · 29/10/2020 07:23

@Mangofandangoo

Why don't you try and get a visor as that may be easier
As a visor is useless other than against splatter into the eyes, it really isn't a useful bit of kit for the purposes OP describes
Mindymomo · 29/10/2020 09:59

I’ve got the masks rubber inserts, it’s so much better.

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