Which would you prefer re masks?

[PuzzledObserver]

The BBC live news page just now was saying there are “hints” that masks and SD may be dropped over the summer.... but there is a risk they will be reintroduced over the winter.

What would you prefer? I mean, presumably ditch them immediately and for ever, but if that’s not possible, would you rather:

a) have a break over the summer in the knowledge they’ll be back towards the end of the year;

b) keep them until we’re certain they will never be back.

I would choose a, by the way.

As there are no cases in my area at all I have taken the executive decision to 'follow the science' and ditch my mask.

So probably not the best person to ask but I'd rather we stopped them now when they are unnecessary than continue wearing them for no reason. They are unhealthy.

@Suranjeep

You think mumsnet is based on anything other that the various posters eccentric opinions?

No, why would I? You present your very earnest opinion as fervently factual. It’s okay to clarify isn’t it?

I find it so intensely sad that people won't wear a bit of fabric on their faces in order to save someone else's life.

I am unclear at what point the world became so self-centred that individuals would rather assert their "rights" to demand not to wear a mask; instead of first considering what they might do to help minimise risk to other people.

I am a doctor and a scientist - and IRL I'd tell you how even a homemade, fabric mask reduces the aerosol spread of covid; I'd tell you about the worry of mutated forms of the virus which are likely to be resistant to this vaccine, putting our elderly population at risk again; I'd gently explain that your mask makes me more safe; my mask protects you.

on here, it becomes bipartisan and argumentative and frankly misleading. but those arguing so strongly not to wear a mask - give your head a wobble - we are in the middle of a global pandemic and have seen 127k deaths in the UK - probably more, as the long stay on ICU can be far far longer than 28 days and we didn't count all the people who died in the beginning in care homes.

If you're so selfish you won't wear a bit of fabric on your face then I really despair in the human race.

C never again

@WutheringBites

I find it so intensely sad that people won't wear a bit of fabric on their faces in order to save someone else's life.

I am unclear at what point the world became so self-centred that individuals would rather assert their "rights" to demand not to wear a mask; instead of first considering what they might do to help minimise risk to other people.

I am a doctor and a scientist - and IRL I'd tell you how even a homemade, fabric mask reduces the aerosol spread of covid; I'd tell you about the worry of mutated forms of the virus which are likely to be resistant to this vaccine, putting our elderly population at risk again; I'd gently explain that your mask makes me more safe; my mask protects you.

on here, it becomes bipartisan and argumentative and frankly misleading. but those arguing so strongly not to wear a mask - give your head a wobble - we are in the middle of a global pandemic and have seen 127k deaths in the UK - probably more, as the long stay on ICU can be far far longer than 28 days and we didn't count all the people who died in the beginning in care homes.

If you're so selfish you won't wear a bit of fabric on your face then I really despair in the human race.

But science has proved that the virus is smaller than the threads in the mask In other words the mask does not stop the virus from getting or out. They cause more problems to the wearer Which is why I refuse to wear one

They cause more problems to the wearer

Which scientific report confirms that?

They cause more problems to the wearer

I thought it would get easier with time, but it hasn't. After 5-10 minutes the floor starts to wobble about and I start to feel light headed.

I also find they trigger neuralgia and if having an attack, I can't wear a mask at all. I've spent upwards of £50 looking for decent solutions to both problems.

. The virus is indeed, microscopic. But the aerosol, which is made up of tiny droplets of moisture in your breath, is how it’s carried - and this is stopped by the fabric.

I do understand some people struggle psychologically with masks; but that’s not the majority of people who simply don’t want to wear them. I think the latter group are frankly just incredibly selfish.

science has proved that the virus is smaller than the threads in the mask
I've got some REALLY bad news for you about atoms; in particular all the space between electrons, protons and the nucleus of each atom. Perhaps you'll end up like Sartre, concerned about being unable to safely sit on a bus.

So I am required to communicate with my baby and small child with a face covering in public for all eternity?
At the moment I have to take my son to his football class and run around with him - with a mask on.
Communication at my baby classes is non existent now - can’t talk to anyone - am 2 meters away with a mask on - not worth the effort. My baby can’t see me make faces at him - sensory provision reduced. Not to mention trying to discipline a toddler in Public when They can’t see your facial expression.

When I tested positive as a teacher in October PH did not care who had been wearing a mask in case of isolation.

If we don’t stop in June/July when does it stop? It is damaging... and I don’t believe me wearing a mask is saving lives.... it’s vaccinations that are doing that.

It’s such a shame you can’t communicate with your baby outside the classes, @Excitablemuch

That must be very difficult for you all.

As for believing/not believing in whether masks work - science doesn’t care what you believe - you’ll need a religion for that.

Applying critical thinking on risk/benefit simply tells us that it doesn’t much change your own risk - it reduces other people’s risk. If you don’t care to reduce other peoples risk then one must make of that what one will.

If you don't care to reduce other people's risk

I've come to the conclusion that there are a lot of people like that about and it's pointless hassle to engage with them. They are what they are and nothing is going to make any difference. If they're randoms on the Internet they don't affect me. If they're part of my actual life I can minimise my engagement with them or cut them out of my life.

I’m with you @Excitablemuch - masks + small children = complete nightmare as far as I’m concerned, and horribly detrimental to communication. Of course you can communicate with your baby mask-free at home, but many children simply won’t be getting the sensory input from a range of people and settings that they need for optimal socialisation and language development.

Of course the wearing of masks always involves a cost/benefit analysis, but for children and young people I think the dial has always firmly remained in the ‘cost’ category. I’m convinced that the long term harms to babies and toddlers will become evident in due course (except by then everyone will have moved on and no one will be paying attention).

As far as I’m concerned, the sooner we see the back of masks the better.

Not to mention trying to discipline a toddler in Public when They can’t see your facial expression.

Really? Because my raised eyebrow and don't mess with me voice always worked. It's mask proof.

I've noticed that people have become much more expressive with their eyes. And smiles are more difficult to fake with eyes only, but eyes do smile.

It won't be forever.

It’s the not being forever thing that I doubt actually. If not June then when? That is my question!!

Comments about interacting with my child outside of baby sensory are ridiculous. Of course I do but the benefit children get from those classes is huge. Not easy to have that one on one time with your baby with a toddler as well - that’s the point of the class. Believe me I have very good raised eyebrows - I am a deputy head and have taught for 15 years.... it’s not the same as my whole face and I shouldn’t have to develop more expressive eyes I should be able to walk around without a mask when cases are so low. Simple really.

If we’re letting mass events go ahead to boost the economy and testing opening nightclubs we should be able to make choices about mask wearing. I get it protects others but they will have been vaccinated no?! And if I am wearing it to protect those who haven’t been vaccinated then it’s not going to end ever is it?!?

I am not unreasonable. I have followed every rule to the letter. Suffered with Covid while pregnant as a teacher (and worked through Covid STILL educating online whilst not feeling well) I have not seen my parents nor have they met their grandchild. My toddler has spent over half his life in lockdown. My father has undergone intensive chemo during the pandemic. I am aware this is the case for many and I have been very lucky. However, mask wearing should not be necessary come June 21st. If it is then we clearly shouldn’t be relaxing all the other rules as well!

I’m honestly not trying to be goady but are there any studies from any Muslim countries where face coverings are widespread about the impact on communication and small children compared to their counterparts in countries without? It’s not something I’ve ever really thought about before but it seems the most obvious place to look for an inkling about the effects of face coverings.

@IceCreamAndCandyfloss

They cause more problems to the wearer

Which scientific report confirms that?

I don’t need a scientific report My blood pressure went up 50 points to Ann alarming 166/ 96 Normally it’s 110/68 That’s enough science for me That was whilst having a blood test and was measured by the phlebotomist

@Cornettoninja

I’m honestly not trying to be goady but are there any studies from any Muslim countries where face coverings are widespread about the impact on communication and small children compared to their counterparts in countries without? It’s not something I’ve ever really thought about before but it seems the most obvious place to look for an inkling about the effects of face coverings.

Probably not but there is research that shows that babies read mood and emotion from faces and copy expressions when VERY young.

I guess I just really liked my life before and would like it back :) like everyone really! But wearing a mask is something I just can’t seem to get over. I am a big talker though and it hinders that!!!

I am unclear at what point the world became so self-centred that individuals would rather assert their "rights" to demand not to wear a mask; instead of first considering what they might do to help minimise risk to other people.

I have been vaccinated (well 1 dose), I do regular LFTs. There have been no Covid deaths in my whole council area of nearly 200000 people, previously one of the worst affected areas in Scotland, for over a month now. How much difference does mask wearing make in these circumstances?

I am unclear at what point the world became so self-centred that individuals would rather assert their "rights" to demand not to wear a mask; instead of first considering what they might do to help minimise risk to other people.

Umm... The world has always been self centered. Nature is. Survival of the fittest and what not. I'm not saying it's right, but it's certainly not new!

@Excitablemuch and that’s the truth of it really isn’t it? It’s a shame that can’t be valid in and of itself without the need to have to prove any measurable damage.

I’m looking forward to a time they’re not needed for the same reasons and the fact it will indicate we’re putting the worst of covid behind us.