I'm happy masks are back !

[genuinequestion21]

I mean, of course I would rather the pandemic was completely over. But whilst cases are high, I'm happy they're back. I never stopped wearing mine.

And now I'm more comfortable going into shops with my unmasked DD. Feels a bit safer for her. She's too young to wear a mask.

Op did you wear a mask, pre covid, to protect yourself from flu every year?
I never did but there were certainly times when I wished I could, for example when sharing an office with a person who was ill but soldiering on, or on a flight. I haven't flown for a couple of years but I always came down with a cold after flying.

I did see a notice in a shop last week that said "please respect social distancing from people who are choosing to wear a mask". I thought that seemed reasonable.
I've never stopped wearing one in spite of having 3 jabs plus covid so I don't feel remotely at risk of covid atm.

@xxxGirlCrushxxx

Nobody wears them properly anyway, will just ba a half asses attempt

Stores can't enforce it either

Morning @xxxGirlCrushxxx

@firef1y

That's nice for you. Me I'm looking forward to the glares, tuts and under the breath comments. Along with the outloud comments on how I don't look like I'm exempt. Why am I exempt anyway. Don't look like have autism. Have I tried wearing a face shield. Have I tried desensitisation. If only you try a bit harder I'm sure you can manage. Stay at home if you can't wear a mask.

Then there's not being able to understand what people are saying to me because I struggle to separate a single voice out of many even without masks. Plus the anxiety of being forced to look in someone's eyes because that's the only part of the face I can see (and I know it's good manners to at least appear as if I'm looking at someone who is talking to me).

But as long as you're happy people like me can continue to suffer

for you, too. And to everyone else who's exempt and had had to endure a year and a half of tuts and judgy looks at best, abuse and physical attacks at worst. Not to mention the attitudes from some quarters on MN, too.

I feel the same, ive been wearing a mask anyway in busier places and when near others so will just continue. It makes me feel alittle safer knowing others will too now.

Hahaha congrats op
You could have worn your mask as often as you wanted you know ! You don't have to wait for daddy Boris to instruct you

Masks are 'required' in shops and on public transport, hospitality is exempt so what is it actually achieving? Is this variant specific to shops and busses? If they're going to be compulsory then IMO it should be all public spaces and correct use enforced (looking at you below the nose wearers).

I don't really care either way, I'd rather not wear one and be able to wear my glasses, that I desperately need but despite trying everything they steam up immediately so I can either wear a mask or glasses... and what difference does it make wearing a mask in a shop then going to a restaurant and not needing to.

But, if this half arsed control measure keeps us out of more pointless lockdowns then so be it. And for the love of all things good no more clapping.

I agree as well it is nice to protect self and others from other viruses too. Wouldn't fancy getting covid and the flu for instance! Haven't been well enough to pay for a flu jab yet. Viruses this year are particular nasty and dc bringing them all home from school not helping matters!

And to everyone else who's exempt and had had to endure a year and a half of tuts and judgy looks at best, abuse and physical attacks at worst. Not to mention the attitudes from some quarters on MN, too.

I do feel for those affected negatively though and one part of it moving away from mandatory was that I hoped this burden of judgement would lessen.

Masks are 'required' in shops and on public transport, hospitality is exempt so what is it actually achieving? Is this variant specific to shops and busses?

It's quite good for the retail staff and staff on public transport. They come into contact with hundreds of people all day every day I suppose.

'despite trying everything they steam up immediately so I can either wear a mask or glasses... and what difference does it make wearing a mask in a shop then going to a restaurant and not needing to.'

Vulnerable people may be avoiding restaurants though and you could be increasing their chances of picking it up if you are doing so and then going to supermarket maskless.

People sometimes wear the transparent shields if they wear glasses and they are better apparently?

MarshaBradyo

I used to hate it when people came on here saying they would pretend to have asthma or anxiety or wear a 'fake' lanyard to get away with not wearing a mask. It makes it harder for people genuinely exempt.

Great.

I’m not glad.

It's MN Mask thread bingo time again. Eyes down, dabber out. grin Special prizes for key words.

Selfish

Anti-maskers

If you don't like a mask you'd hate a ventilator

Didn't look disabled

I have asthma and I can wear one

If you won't wear a mask then just stay at home

I'm not doing it to protect myself, but to protect others

Can you wear a face visor?

I don't believe X% of people were exempt anyway

In Spain/Italy/other random country everyone wears masks and nobody complains

Dangling on their chin

Disposables littering the street

Think that's about everything, have I missed anything to be added to the MN covid mask bingo card? We've never ditched the mask mandate in Scotland so it's same old same old here. Most people wear them, some don't, find it very difficult to get wound up about people who choose not to to be honest.

Not stopped wearing them, have to wear them for work.

Plenty don't wear them properly.
I've actually seen a few fabric ones which are made to fit under the nose. One which actually only covered the chin!
I'm not wearing a mask again, I rarely get ill and I've got all the bugs this Autumn. No chance am I weakening my immune system again. Ive been consoling myself that at least immune system is building back up again. Nobody really bothered with social distancing in shops or out last time, suspect it will be the same and most probably won't wear masks. Bacterias are actually good for you. I've had covid, fortunately when it all kicked off so my immune system was stronger then, I've had many worse colds.

@crosbystillsandmash

Op did you wear a mask, pre covid, to protect yourself from flu every year? Thought not.

Absolutely tiresome now.

My thoughts exactly.

Disposables littering the street

That is a reasonable complaint though. Too many lazy, inconsiderate twats just chuck them away and don't even break the strings.

There you go, one to tick off your bingo card!

No mention of social distancing.

Bit of a mockery saying just retail/transport. Would feel a bit more engaging if Boris grew some balls and got sterner and put restrictions in place which are meaningful

My first thought was that, unless your dd is particularly vulnerable, she would probably benefit more from being able to see people’s faces and communicate normally.

I will wear one to avoid confrontation but it feels like performative nonsense to me. I’m prepared to accept that a perfectly worn, medical grade mask may make a small difference, but so few people wear a genuinely protective mask properly that it’s all a bit pointless.

Nicola is going for it laying down the law.... come on Boris

@MLMshouldbeillegal

It's MN Mask thread bingo time again. Eyes down, dabber out. grin Special prizes for key words.

Selfish

Anti-maskers

If you don't like a mask you'd hate a ventilator

Didn't look disabled

I have asthma and I can wear one

If you won't wear a mask then just stay at home

I'm not doing it to protect myself, but to protect others

Can you wear a face visor?

I don't believe X% of people were exempt anyway

In Spain/Italy/other random country everyone wears masks and nobody complains

Dangling on their chin

Disposables littering the street

Think that's about everything, have I missed anything to be added to the MN covid mask bingo card? We've never ditched the mask mandate in Scotland so it's same old same old here. Most people wear them, some don't, find it very difficult to get wound up about people who choose not to to be honest.

Good summary. Maybe 'muzzled' or 'tatty bit of fabric' to add.

@xxxGirlCrushxxx

Nicola is going for it laying down the law.... come on Boris

From BBC news-

The Scottish and Welsh first ministers have written to Boris Johnson calling for a tougher approach to travel restrictions

Tatty bit of ETSY floral fabric