Surely just bring the mask mandate back now?

[Maskedtonigh]

They are an easy measure that are no real hardship and could help (even if just in a small way) suppress this virus surely we should just bring back our mask mandate now?

@Itsjustricemichael

I'd really like to see theatres (as an example) offering "masked" sessions. I went to the theatre and lots of museums when they first opened but masks were still mandatory because I prefer being masked indoors with multiple people. So it seemed the best time for me. I haven't been again since masks stopped being required. If I had the option that some of the perfor.ances were mandatory mask ones I would go to those.

In Scotland, I wish shops and supermarkets would offer "unmasked" sessions. Seems only fair and less discriminatory.

I like the signs I have seen in lots of pubs which say it's up to you on whether to mask or not but respect each other's choice.

I wish those wanting to subject masks on everyone would actually be more respectful of those who don't want to cover their face at every possible moment.

@Peteycat

"08:18Hopeisallineed

@Peteycat isn’t it fairy obvious why? Presumably because they think it will help with infection rates."

They can think all the way they want. It's not mandatory, and as discussed already soo many times, thise disgusting, flimsy blue things don't work.

Well, they do - you must not be wearing your disgusting mask properly.

Are you some kind of activist/provocateur Petey? The amount you try and provoke people and shut them down it would seem so.

Morning, whether you believe or like it or not, the "disgusting" disposable surgical masks do work...

They come in three types, and have been widely used in surgical settings since invention because of their efficacy.

Don't try and tell people they don't work, they block/filter bacteria up to a greater than 95% rate, blocking respiratory droplets and splashes.

U you oh really need to stop spreading your diatribe and misinformation, never mind covid.

@marieantoinehairnet

Morning, whether you believe or like it or not, the "disgusting" disposable surgical masks do work...

They come in three types, and have been widely used in surgical settings since invention because of their efficacy.

Don't try and tell people they don't work, they block/filter bacteria up to a greater than 95% rate, blocking respiratory droplets and splashes.

U you oh really need to stop spreading your diatribe and misinformation, never mind covid.

Surgical masks are used by surgeons to prevent blood splatter going into their face

Masks in settings OP wants, were mandatory in Wales & Scotland all summer. Not in England. Cases up in Scotland and flatlining in Wales & England (last 30 days). It's almost like mask-mandates in context we are now, high vaccination coverage, makes sod all difference.

They're not just for blood, they're also for airborne droplets and sprays, which might contain germs of many types, and so are effective.

Saying they're flimsy and disgusting is just childish.

I wear a mask in the shops still, but it is more out of respect for those with health anxiety - I can't honestly say that I believe that my wearing a fabric mask reduces transmission.

I worry for my son's development though. He is 15 months old and has only ever seen people in masks in public places. This means that he hasn't ever seen people other than close family and friends' facial expressions, and he is quite nervous around strangers. Facial expressions are so important for babies and young children in communication, and I very much feel at a loss when DS is crying in a shop and I can't even smile at him.

[quote Peteycat]@herecomesthsun

"scientific laws - I thought you meant laws imposed, but just had my coffee so here's the definition of scientific law:

In general, a scientific law is the description of an observed phenomenon. It doesn't explain why the phenomenon exists or what causes it. The explanation of a phenomenon is called a scientific theory.

Non applicable to your argument.[/quote]
You see, the virus obeys scientific laws around how some respiratory viruses spread.

That's why we need mitigations to prevent spread, if we want to reduce the chance of having another lockdown.

@IcedPurple @MarshaBradyo Most theatres are asking audiences to wear masks but, as far as I'm aware, none are making it a condition of entry at the moment. Of my two closest professional theatres, one (which usually has an older demographic) has a prominent notice on its website asking audiences to wear masks and confirming that staff will also wear them. The other one (younger demographic) is also asking but less prominently. It is also keeping a few performances of each show as socially distanced, and making it very clear that they really expect mask wearing at those shows.

"you oh really need to stop spreading your diatribe and misinformation, never mind covid."

It's not misinformation the proof is in the pudding.

@herecomesthsun

"You see, the virus obeys scientific laws around how some respiratory viruses spread.

That's why we need mitigations to prevent spread, if we want to reduce the chance of having another lockdown."

First sentence, is nonsense.

Second sentence, no we do not. We need to live our lives.

@marieantoinehairnet

"Saying they're flimsy and disgusting is just childish."

It's not childish, they are. In pockets, car doors re used. How are they remotely useful? As soon as you touch them to readjust, they are dirty (if you want to talk about trying to avoid germs and being a sterile tool).

I think that audiences who want to feel safe will probably be more likely to go for outdoor/ drive in options anyway.

For a young theatre company that could relinquish the connection to a physical theatre building and do outdoor work over the summer, I can see that might have had some appeal.

Established theatres putting on jolly musicals have done I think good business from people wanting escapist fun.

I do worry a bit for the industry, I support it where I can in my own way. There have long been some issues with how viable theatre is and I can see covid has created huge problems.

I am hoping there will be a big resurgence when things are more stable.

[quote Peteycat]@marieantoinehairnet

"Saying they're flimsy and disgusting is just childish."

It's not childish, they are. In pockets, car doors re used. How are they remotely useful? As soon as you touch them to readjust, they are dirty (if you want to talk about trying to avoid germs and being a sterile tool).[/quote]
It's about people keeping their potential covid to themselves, not about the masks being sterile

I'm sorry but there's no talking sense to a zealot like yourself, your constant need to tell people their beliefs are wrong is just deplorable. I sincerely hope you have a fulfilling life outside of Mumsnet world, but I suspect you don't.

[quote Peteycat]@herecomesthsun

"You see, the virus obeys scientific laws around how some respiratory viruses spread.

That's why we need mitigations to prevent spread, if we want to reduce the chance of having another lockdown."

First sentence, is nonsense.

Second sentence, no we do not. We need to live our lives.[/quote]
The virus will spread physically in a way that obeys scientific laws.

It is not a very technical sentence

The masks help to impede that.

Cutting down the amount of virus going around will exactly that, help us to live our lives (without so much risk of lockdowns)

I'm quite patient (and quite stubborn) despite being fairly busy

"11:29marieantoinehairnet

I'm sorry but there's no talking sense to a zealot like yourself, your constant need to tell people their beliefs are wrong is just deplorable. I sincerely hope you have a fulfilling life outside of Mumsnet world, but I suspect you don't."

I'm not telling anyone what to do. I'm telling people like you that restrictions and mitigations are no longer wanted by most people. You are trying to keep us in an unhappy place with your neurosis and bullying.

I have a very fulfilled life thank you very much! Because I'm not constantly trying to police others on their personal choices.

@Peteycat

"you oh really need to stop spreading your diatribe and misinformation, never mind covid."

It's not misinformation the proof is in the pudding.

Well, the scientific advisors don't seem to agree with your world view, we have Plan A and Plan B and we have vaccines rolled out to teens & families who want them.

Plenty of good information out there for those who want it.

@marieantoinehairnet

Everyone is entitled to their beliefs. I respect your wish to think masks work, and I respect your belief to wear one. You don't respect my beliefs in that I don't think they work as much as we thought, and I don't want to wear one.

"11:35herecomesthsun

Peteycat

"you oh really need to stop spreading your diatribe and misinformation, never mind covid."

It's not misinformation the proof is in the pudding.

Well, the scientific advisors don't seem to agree with your world view, we have Plan A and Plan B and we have vaccines rolled out to teens & families who want them.

Plenty of good information out there for those who want it."

I understand what has been rolled out, its you that doesn't, because you bang on about masks and they are not a mandate! So you don't agree with them either, because you are saying we should be implementing mitigations again, when they have not done this!

[quote Peteycat]@marieantoinehairnet

Everyone is entitled to their beliefs. I respect your wish to think masks work, and I respect your belief to wear one. You don't respect my beliefs in that I don't think they work as much as we thought, and I don't want to wear one.[/quote]
you don't have to wear one

even with plan B there would be exemptions

however, they do help (reduce transmission by up to 25%)

and there is a growing scientific consensus around this

@Peteycat

"11:35herecomesthsun

Peteycat

"you oh really need to stop spreading your diatribe and misinformation, never mind covid."

It's not misinformation the proof is in the pudding.

Well, the scientific advisors don't seem to agree with your world view, we have Plan A and Plan B and we have vaccines rolled out to teens & families who want them.

Plenty of good information out there for those who want it."

I understand what has been rolled out, its you that doesn't, because you bang on about masks and they are not a mandate! So you don't agree with them either, because you are saying we should be implementing mitigations again, when they have not done this!

Lots of us still wear masks

They still help reduce spread

even if they aren't currently compulsory

it's because of how the virus spreads

@herecomesthsun

"@marieantoinehairnet

Everyone is entitled to their beliefs. I respect your wish to think masks work, and I respect your belief to wear one. You don't respect my beliefs in that I don't think they work as much as we thought, and I don't want to wear one.

you don't have to wear one

even with plan B there would be exemptions

however, they do help (reduce transmission by up to 25%)

and there is a growing scientific consensus around this"

,its not just about me wearing one. It's about little children seeing adults constantly covering faces, it's about human interaction, it's about so many things. You may want to protect yourself, that's fine obviously, but others want to live in a world where they don't have to wear masks.