When will masks stop needing to be worn

[Beatinghearts]

It seems infection rates are now quite low.

I think they’ll be around for the majority of this year at least. It’s a simple step to keep down transmission. I’d happily wear one shopping long term.

I loathe them and am cheered to read I might not need to wear them after June 🤞

@CarrieBlue

I hope they’ll continue to be worn for a long time - how fantastic if we can reduce flu outbreaks by something as simple as wearing masks in enclosed spaces like we’ve managed this year. I have no problem wearing one for as long as required.

I know, it’s been great having less bugs this winter so I’d be happy for them to stay for that reason too.

Government won’t mandate it unless cases needing hospital rise again, and in the UK only a minority will choose to wear masks voluntarily, even in winter.

I will wear one in school until I feel comfortable to go without one. We have had cases in school this week which has reinforced my wish to keep mine on. I also have a perspex glass screen which on my desk too.

In the US the CDC has removed outdoor masking for those who are double vaccinated. Indoor masking mandate has been lifted in some states for the double vaccinated as well.
I don’t quite get the fuss about masks. For now my kids are still masked in schools so I do wear masks when I am with them but I am quite happy to meet up with double vaccinated friends indoors.

Indeed, but the concept of courtesy is lost on many me-first UK folk.

The vast majority of UK people have been putting others first for 13 months now

@CarrieBlue

I hope they’ll continue to be worn for a long time - how fantastic if we can reduce flu outbreaks by something as simple as wearing masks in enclosed spaces like we’ve managed this year. I have no problem wearing one for as long as required.

This.

I suspect they will be required in some settings (hospitals / healthcare esp) until spring/summer next year. Guess mask usage might be stepped down gradually, e.g. not required in restuarants/pubs first, then not required in shops.

Hopefully wearing a mask on public transport in the winter will be socially acceptable now.

My oncologist reckons we'll still be wearing masks next year (may have meant especially for hospital appointments). Corona virus isn't going to go away completely, even if we get annual flu/covid vaccinations I can see precautions like mask wearing carrying on for much longer.

@ihavethehighground

I like wearing one. No tonsillitis, no cold, no flu

this!

i will be wearing mine 100% indoors and in winter especially in shops!
im vaccinated but frankly id rather not take the chance, i prefer them!

@RoseAndRose
Also agree with a couple of posts I've seen that say it would be a good idea for masks to continue to be required in medical facilities and on public transport

I’m already overdue for my smear test. If they continue to be required in medical facilities, then it’s never going to happen. I can’t have my mouth and nose covered. Just the thought makes me panicky.

Masks will remain in public transport and for flying and possibly in busy indoor settings for the until we know more about vaccines and variants

I don't wear one but will be very very glad when they are no longer "mandatory" and it's down to personal choice. Some will want to wear them, some won't. That's fine by me but hope that the enforcement and the need to explain being exempt is behind us for good very soon (may or June)

What will happen to our immune systems if we don’t expose ourselves to mild pathogens?

@Florabritannica I think exactly the same as you, I worry that all this hand sanitising everyone is doing and over cleansing will leave some susceptible to being finished off by a common cold in the not so distant future.

I hope they stay, this is the first year ever (since being 13) that I have not had constant colds and infections. It has been an incredible revelation.

ASAP I hope

If less than 1 in 1000 people have it then what purpose exactly are they serving?

They should be done away with once the whole adult population has been offered a vaccine. I know the vaccine doesn’t work on everyone and not everyone can have it but that’s no different to any other vaccine and I’m certainly not willing to wear one to protect people choosing to be unvaccinated.

@Spiderplants

I hope they stay, this is the first year ever (since being 13) that I have not had constant colds and infections. It has been an incredible revelation.

That could equally be down to overall reduction in social contact

Can’t wait to not have to wear one.

My anxiety and mental health has struggled so much this past year. I know the masks are triggering me. Still I wear one to do what’s expected but I can’t wait not to.

People who like wearing them are perfectly at liberty to keep doing so.

Indeed @RedcurrantPuff and that would include transmission via contact that would be reduced by masks.

@RedcurrantPuff

People who like wearing them are perfectly at liberty to keep doing so.

This. Feel free. I won't be doing any real in-person shopping until we don't have to wear them any more. For some reason, wearing one makes me hold my breath. I wear glasses too and find it really hard not getting steamed up.

I think people have pretty much stopped wearing them now if york is anything to go by.
Never saw any in the shambles market while loads of people were queuing for food and quite rightly as you don’t need to wear them outside.

Still a few clinging on in the shops but other than that, it’s almost back to normal.
In fact, I think york is much better.
Loads more tables outside and staff are making more effort for their customers.
I’ve never seen shambles market so busy..it’s really great, reminds me of Camden market.
Lovely vibe and ambience.
Nice to see the street theatre and buskers are coming back too.

They’d put up a drinking den in the middle of Parliament street 😂

Might even go back tomorrow 👍

Oh and I was waiting for the lift in a store and this family were before me
Oh they said come in with us , we’ve had enough of this
So I did
As I’ve had enough of it too.
People treating each other like lepers

I think from 21st of June it will go from required to recommended.