do you need a mask outside dogwalking, socially distanced?

[happyjack12]

I've been shielding due to cancer diagnosis, so a bit cluelesss about the outside world.
TIA

You don't need to wear one outside unless you want to.

In Mumsnetland, yes.

In RL, no.

No. Breathe in the fresh air.

Walking alone with the dog? Wouldn't think so

You don’t need one outside. For some people who are walking from shop to shop, they will keep it on when outside. If you were going to a popular dog walking spot where it would be hard to maintain social distancing you might consider it to protect others. However, given you’ve been shielding I’m assuming you would still pick more isolated dog walks so you’ll be fine.

No

No but I do tend to turn my head away if I have to pass someone.

No.

If you happen to walk somewhere where you pass lots of people (eg walk goes through shopping area even outside) you may want to wear one for that short period of time.

But that's choice not law or guidance.

There have been lots of news stories about new studies showing masks offer a degree of protection to the wearer, and it's not just about protecting other people. So depending on your immune status you may feel more comfortable wearing one. I see loads of people wearing masks at our local beauty spot and they don't get funny looks. People just assume they are more vulnerable and generally try to give them a wider berth out of respect for that. Obviously you may not find that's the case in busy streets but people seem a bit better at distancing in wider open spaces. But to answer your question it is not in the guidelines as fresh air is said to dilute the virus quickly.

Perhaps you could take advice from your consultant as to your own personal risk level and decide that way.

I don't generally wear a mask outdoors, but I have seen the odd person who does. Whatever you're comfortable with really.

It's not expected but if it makes you feel comfortable then it's your choice.

I work in special education.

We dont wear masks in classrooms. (Except some specific circumstances)

We wear them in corridors.

We choose to wear them outside at playtimes because although outside the nature of our job means at any time we could run past or near another staff meme we or have to support them.
The HT supports this and supports us wearing them anytime we wish outside of the necessary times stated in risk assessment.