If masks and SD are going to on 19th July, why still masks on planes?

[zafferana]

Okay, hear me out.

IF we get rid of masks and SD on 19th July and IF there is no requirement for a 'covid passport' to get into venues, showing either negative test, full vaccination or recent recovery from Covid, that means theatres, cinemas, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, stadiums, all at capacity and with no one knowing who is/isn't vaccinated and who may have Covid, right?

So, if that's the case, why will we still have to wear masks on planes? To get on a plane you generally need a negative Covid test (I know this varies by destination, but many currently do), or proof of full vaccination, plus HEPA filters change ALL the air in the plane every 2-3 minutes. Therefore, you should be pretty damn safe on a plane - much safer than on a train, for instance, or a bus or in any of the venues listed above.

I'm not trying to be goady, this just occurred to me while I was walking round Sainsbury's and thinking '20 more days and I won't have to be wearing this f*ing thing on my face any more'.

But we’re not getting rid of face masks are we?

@thewiseoneincognito yes? The expectation is the requirement will be gone, maybe with a few exceptions

They haven't decided on face masks yet

They've never said no facemasks, and they've never said no vaccine passports. The only thing in step 4 is removal of legal limits on social contact. I fully expect masks to remain. I fully expect venues to be given the option of EITHER only accepting vaccinated/exempt people OR continuing with limited capacity and test and trace.

@ellenpartridge very unlikely given Israel reversed their decision fairly rapidly and now the CDC in US is slowly bringing them back. WHO is also saying they’re necessary. So I’m not too sure where this expectation is from aside from maybe Daily mail speculation and MN?

In Canada we’ve been told to expect masks for 2-3 years post-vaccines, in some circumstances. The latest federal guidance for fully vaccinated people still strongly suggests masks in crowded indoor settings where you are unsure of people’s vaccination status (and no province has yet lifted mask requirements anyway).

@thewiseoneincognito not a DM reader. The step is removal of legal limits on social contact. Surely masks fall under that category. Things like nightclubs don't work with masks. I dare say they might still be required or advised in various settings but we'll see... I would personally certainly expect the mask rules to be somewhat loosened.

I really hope they retain masks and social distancing. Madness not to.

I really hope they get rid of masks. Horrible germ ridden things that make me feel awful. I

@DancesWithTortoises

I really hope they retain masks and social distancing. Madness not to.

Prepare to be glared at for wearing a mask post-freedom day2/3/4/5.

I wore a mask from early March in shops and busy areas (ie way before it was enforced), and the evils people would give you.

I am expecting the same, maybe even more intense afterwards.

Aren't planes literally one of the worst places for catching anything airborne, because of the internal re-circulation of air? If I'm right I'd happily go on wearing masks on planes.

If masks are made non compulsory, I will not be wearing them. I'm not that convinced that most of them are effective (hands up, my mask hygiene is lazy) and I find them quite irritating after a while. Credit to those who have worn them uncomplainingly for work etc, you have my respect and gratitude.

Given most long haul flights tend to include a fair amount of eating and drinking without masks on, I'm not sure they make a huge impact, particularly for vaccinated travellers.

Equally I won't be glaring at those who choose to keep wearing masks, that's their personal choice.

International flights need to comply with rules both ends!

There wasn’t anything mentioned re masks going on the 19th, I hope not given how many aren’t bothering to isolate etc when they should be.

@giletrouge

Aren't planes literally one of the worst places for catching anything airborne, because of the internal re-circulation of air? If I'm right I'd happily go on wearing masks on planes.

Actually, the air on planes is cleaner than just about any other indoor space, apart from operating theatres.

I think airlines will insist on them, possibly because one end of the route requires them.

@zafferana

Okay, hear me out.

IF we get rid of masks and SD on 19th July and IF there is no requirement for a 'covid passport' to get into venues, showing either negative test, full vaccination or recent recovery from Covid, that means theatres, cinemas, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, stadiums, all at capacity and with no one knowing who is/isn't vaccinated and who may have Covid, right?

So, if that's the case, why will we still have to wear masks on planes? To get on a plane you generally need a negative Covid test (I know this varies by destination, but many currently do), or proof of full vaccination, plus HEPA filters change ALL the air in the plane every 2-3 minutes. Therefore, you should be pretty damn safe on a plane - much safer than on a train, for instance, or a bus or in any of the venues listed above.

I'm not trying to be goady, this just occurred to me while I was walking round Sainsbury's and thinking '20 more days and I won't have to be wearing this f*ing thing on my face any more'.

Health theatre. Just like security theatre. No one wants to be the first to drop it, it’s no longer about health (not that masks do anything anyway)

@lop124

Equally I won't be glaring at those who choose to keep wearing masks, that's their personal choice.

Always had been, and it should have remained that way. A personal choice.

How about personal freedom to chose to wear a mask

Freedom day is not exactly freedom if you still have to wear those ridiculous things

@giletrouge

Aren't planes literally one of the worst places for catching anything airborne, because of the internal re-circulation of air? If I'm right I'd happily go on wearing masks on planes.

One of the best. Fast moving air, filtered. No chance for aerosols to hang about

Because the UK is a very small part of the world and the rules within our borders will be different to those outwith for a very long time to come.

Planes are perfectly entitled to have their own rules and if you don’t agree or wish to abide, you don’t get to fly. Some planes will go with the legislation of their country and others will have additional H&S to protect their staff (and potential lawsuits).

I didn’t know that about the airplane air. I thought it was recirculated and full of germs.

I do usually get a cold after flying. Most probably airport contamination then.

I'm happy for them to keep masks on planes and in airports for the moment. Hopefully it won't be long term.