AIBU to think waitress should have been wearing mask?

[Lacto12]

We went out for my mothers 70th birthday meal today. The restaurant had special measures in place for social distancing but all the staff were walking around maskless. (Everyone else had to wear a mask when leaving the table etc)

AIBU to think this is wrong? The waitress we had was holding the plates directly under her chin and asking who’s meal was who’s etc. I am worried now as I am venerable and my mother is elderly! I know I should have left or said something at the time but it’s been sitting uncomfortably with me all night since I got back.

We don’t really go out much or do anything and was horribly ill with covid last year I can’t keep it out of my mind. Regretting going now! (All the other measures were in place)

@Thewiseoneincognito

Your mistake was taking your DM out to a restaurant when Omicron is surging it’s way around the population so quickly. I hope you all dodge infection, use this as a lesson to not take the risk again though because now you’ll have an anxious few days.

I cannot fathom why so many in hospitality don’t wear masks in the workplace. It really isn’t a good look but then again they’re going to be absolutely shafted once restrictions set in so there may be some denial or rebellion behind it?

Anyone reading these posts wondering if they too should take a similar risk over the next week or so take heed from this OP- don’t - it’s simply not worth it.

In answer to your question why so many in hospitality don't wear masks, there are several reasons. As previous posts have mentioned, it is very difficult to wear masks all day. Waiting staff are in and out of a hot kitchen, which makes them very uncomfortable. They are carrying trays, plates, drinks etc. so unable to easily adjust them if necessary. It is difficult enough to communicate with customers when there is constant noise around you without the added hindrance of masks.

But honestly the main reason is that real life experience does not back-up the 'rules'. Behind the public area, eg in kitchen or back bars, cellars, clean up areas etc. most staff don't wear them and they haven't worn them for most of the pandemic. These areas are small and you can't easily social distance. However, there has not been a consistent spread of cases where staff are passing Covid to each other. Most hospitality staff in our area have had Covid, or someone in their household has, but the cases are spread out over different periods. If not wearing a mask was a big factor in the spread, then every pub and restaurant in the country would have had to close down for a couple of weeks as everyone got ill at the same time. Obviously many hospitality venues had to close due to the pingdemic of staff having to isolate as they were close contacts of people with Covid but that is not the same as having people actually ill.

What I, and many of my colleagues, have realised is that despite coming into contact with lots and lots of different people and then mingling without masks, unless you are in very close contact for a sustained period, your chance of catching Covid is pretty small.

I have noticed that trade people and those working in manufacturing have a similar outlook. Go to a garage early in the morning and see if the builders etc. all stuck in a van together are wearing masks.

I agree with the infantilising of the elderly. I was with some friends yesterday. One is 68 and still working full time, another is in her 70s and works part time. Many people in their 70s are fit and well, working or doing charity work, looking after grandchildren, socialising. Basically just living their lives like everyone else.

We were in a restaurant yesterday. No-one was wearing masks, either staff or customers. It's not required in England.

If it takes you feel better we've been eating out almost daily from the time that restaurants were allowed to reopen and haven't caught covid.
My dad is in his 70's and also eats out a lot.
You had a good time and what's done is done now so I'd try not to worry about something that may not happen.

I work front of house in a restaurant, mask wearing is 50/50 foh and 90/10 boh, there is no distancing in the kitchen,its hot, stressful and we are stretched for space at all times.
Ive always masked at work since may 2020, but i will pull my mask off to communicate over the pass because its impossible to get anything done without doing so.
I'm now covid positive after working an 8 hour shift yesterday with symptoms. masked, but good luck to all my lovely customers and colleagues.
one colleague has same symptoms and we served hundreds of people between us.
lets hope masks work.
If you're worried or vulnerable, dont go to reastaurants, none of us are testing because we don't get paid if we dont work and we are dropping like flies right now.

That's very honest, hope you get better soon, it's tough work.

The whole premise of this thread is gross.