When will masks stop needing to be worn

[Beatinghearts]

It seems infection rates are now quite low.

Can’t wait to get rid. U can’t understand a thing the kids that I teach are saying. Nightmare.

I can’t...

@SweetPetrichor

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.

Please do But don’t expect those that don’t and won’t wear them to do so Freedom of choice and all that

Hate them! Hope they will be gone ASAP

I can see them staying but not in all places. So I imagine it will be compulsory in healthcare settings and on public transport and recommended in shops/cafe’s/cinemas/theatre etc.

@Whatever9999

Hopefully we'll get an idea in just over a week when we are updated on whether the next stage of the lifting of lockdown happens.

As far as I'm concerned it can't be soon enough. Cant actually wear one myself as it puts me in sensory overload, but other people wearing them also put me in overload. I've got sensory processing issues as part of my autism, struggle to work out what is behind what people are saying when I can see their mouth, don't have a clue when they're wearing masks. Also find it really uncomfortable to look at a masked face, I don't do eye contact but t
With eyes being the only part of the face visible my eyes are drawn to them. Which means I can't even pretend I'm looking at a face, I just end up looking somewhere the other side of the room. Plus because I'm getting stressed I find it even harder to pick their voice out when more than one person is talking

Similar problems here too. DS has ASD, I don't think I have although suspect another ND condition that can also be connected with sensory issues. I have auditory processing issues diagnosed and lip read a lot.

I'm so very tired of the social and communication problems caused by masks being totally dismissed, and the absolute lies that "it's just a little thing" and "it costs nothing". I've still got scars on my face from a final attempt at wearing a visor 3 months ago, that is something and it's not little and I'm not drawing my own blood again. That was my final straw.

The minimal difference made by the average coat-pocket-reused-handkerchief that most people dutifully apply in order to conply is not worth the hideous social isolation. Articles are flagging up SALT issues in young children, and while not the most significant factor, being exposed to distorted speech and lack of expression on a variety of people when out and about is one of the contributing issues.

I long to see faces again. To look at people and exchange smiles. To have a proper conversation with random people or on the school run. To recognise people.

To have my blooming smear test and eye test without fear of panic attacks triggered by interacting with unintelligable, expressionless people in small, stuffy rooms.

The data on the vaccines is great. Far, far better than nasty, suffocating bits of cloth/ disposable fabric.

I'm desperate for them to go ASAP.
People are free to keep them if they really want, but after 9+ months of this torment, I still can't look them in their blank un-faces or hear them properly.

Tbh, I'm really surprised by the animosity towards mask wearing - as a physical thing, I mean, rather than people who don't believe it's necessary, against their human rights etc. When I was a nurse working in theatres we all wore masks all the time and I don't remember anyone ever making a fuss about it.

@JulesJules

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.

Your oncologist doesn't know any more about it than me or my Aunt Edna. Unless they're a virologist or epidemiologist who directly advise the government, I wouldn't put much stock in what they "reckon".

Really hoping to ditch the masks in most places soon. I think medical appointments will still require them. Poor health care workers. Possibly train and buses too.

Plus the general request would be even with a negative test if you feel unwell wear a mask out.

I hate masks but think they will be around in a lesser form for a while.

I would not mind continuing to wear them if I could be shown some hard evidence that they make any difference whatsoever.

I also think that, if they're planning to keep masks longer, they need to do a lot of campaigning on being accepting of people who can't wear a mask for any reason.

I hope people will be considerate and wear masks when they have a cold or cough, and are out in a public space. After visiting Japan, five years ago, I can see how wearing masks to reduce the spread of airborne infections really is such a simple thing to do.

If I can find one that protects me from other people’s germs I’ll happily wear one indoors and on public transport for the rest of my life.
In a lot of countries it’s common courtesy to wear one if you’re feeling poorly to prevent transmission to others and I wish we would adopt this habit.

I think that is exactly why we are told to wear them here. To stop transmission to other. Not to protect are selves. That was the general messaging from government wasn't it🤷‍♀️

@TruelyWonder It was, yes. Sadly most people in the UK are apparently far too selfish to wear one to prevent their germs spreading. I wish we could adopt the habit of wearing one if we’re feeling a bit peaky to prevent spreading disease but I fear not.
If I can find a mask that will protect me I’ll happily wear it

I would just be happy if I found one I could wear without feeling suffocated ☹

I hate masks. I would like to be able to shop without one. They cause my glasses to steam up all the time so that when I am in the supermarket I can't even see what I am buying. I've made a few mistakes because of that.

I see the need in a medical establishment, but for elsewhere I would like to have the choice not be wear one.

I'll not forget having had to wear the fuckers at my Dad's funeral either. Awful.

@JulesJules

Tbh, I'm really surprised by the animosity towards mask wearing - as a physical thing, I mean, rather than people who don't believe it's necessary, against their human rights etc. When I was a nurse working in theatres we all wore masks all the time and I don't remember anyone ever making a fuss about it.

I didn't choose a profession where I had to wear masks because they distress me. How is it unkind for me not to wear a mask that affects my depth perception, sight and causes me to panic but fine for you to say I should because they don't cause you issues?

2024. No sooner I'd imagine.

With COVID all but eradicated here in NZ it is still the law to wear them on public transport

I think it's highly likely masks will be around this coming winter, even if we get a respite from them for awhile. Considering masks were introduced last summer when cases/deaths were low and we were out of the first wave, there's no meaningful baseline for when they could be withdrawn, with respect to hospital admission/death numbers. They could end up being part of the landscape for a long time.

Personally I loathe wearing one and hope they'll be gone for good come 21st June, but I think they won't be.

Wouldn't be surprised if they keep them for public transport, healthcare settings and possibly supermarkets- all the essential places. I will be discarding mine ASAP

When I was a nurse working in theatres we all wore masks all the time and I don't remember anyone ever making a fuss about it.

When you were a nurse in theatres did you also have to wear a mask during your work commute, in the supermarket, libraries, shopping etc as well as during your shift?

People that struggle with mask wearing would prob not choose a career as a theatre nurse. We have no choice about this

Seems unlikely that government / employers will allow pupil-facing schools staff who have had the vaccines to continue to wear a mask once school recommendations change. It impedes teaching and learning.

@Dozer

Seems unlikely that government / employers will allow pupil-facing schools staff who have had the vaccines to continue to wear a mask once school recommendations change. It impedes teaching and learning.

That would be opening up a can of worms to tell employees they can’t wear PPE they feel is necessary.

Indoor places with large numbers and public transport will likely have masks through winter as numbers will likely go up as initial vaccines wear off and people wait for boosters etc.

I think they will be the absolute last thing to go, and we will be wearing them for the rest of the year in public places.