I don't understand the mask rules

[EmmaGrundyForPM]

OK, I do understand the new mask rules - we now have to wear masks in shops and on public transport. But I don't understand the rationale for this.

I don't have an issue with wearing a mask, and I'm.aware that some areas of the UK have never stopped wearing masks in public. But in England it now seems that, if I pop into the Co-op for a pint of milk, I have to wear a mask, but if I'm in a cinema, theatre, nightclub, for several.hours then I don't.

For what it's worth, even when it was no longer mandatory I've continued to wear a mask in indoor public spaces. But I don't understand the logic for bringing it back in some spaces but not others.

Surely it should be mandatory in all indoor public spaces or what's the point?

Cinema, nightclubs and restaurants are places you predominantly eat or drink and therefore won’t be wearing a mask anyway. Plus the most vulnerable in society are the older generation and you wouldn’t really catch 70year old Margaret shaking her booty in a nightclub. However 70year old Margaret will be found on a bus (using her free bus pass) to go to Tesco’s to pick up her shopping (she hasn’t quite yet figured out how to order online). It is Margaret that this rules are protecting. They make sense to me.
The only other restriction I would like to see brought back is household isolation when someone in your home tests positive. Especially in schools, that could massively cut transmission. It’s crazy that siblings are still attending when one is at home with a positive test.

@GoodnightGrandma

You aren’t in charge of the community, so start by looking after yourself. I’ve worn a mask the whole time in shops, I don’t need telling that it’s the sensible thing to do, particularly as we head into winter. I don’t go to the pictures etc because of the obvious risk. I’ve had my flu jab and 3 Covid’s, I’m looking after me, which is what we should all be doing.

But the OP is not saying that at all. The question is not, do you, as an individual, wear a mask. The question is, why has the UK government made that choice, is it going to be effective at all given that it is only in certain places and not others, and why that choice has been made. You missed the point.

The only other restriction I would like to see brought back is household isolation when someone in your home tests positive
Me too. It seems stupid to let high risk people who are exposed to Covid on a daily basis just go swanning around in public. We know that people can be infectious for a couple of days before they feel ill or test positive.

I also agree that’s masks have been reintroduced in places where the vulnerable are likely to be present. They can avoid restaurants and cinemas - they can’t avoid shops and buses.

@lescompagnonsdeloue exactly. It's about the mixed messages and inconsistency.

Isn't it because people can't avoid shops and transport ? But you can avoid a theatre.
I wear masks in first two but won't be on any of my theatre trips coming up , regardless of what the govt says .

Isn't it because people can't avoid shops and transport ?

Yes, I think that'll be it.

Because the vulnerable need some quality of life