Why are Sainsbury's (and others) asking for continued mask wearing?

[jowly]

To keep their staff well? ( many don't wear one even now)

To give customers a sense of security?

I'm very willing to wear one if there's a reasonable reason to.. and I get all the theories why we may be wise to. But why are supermarkets going for this request? Why is it in their interest?

Am I missing the obvious?

Because wearing a mask helps reduce transmission and really isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things??

@RestingStitchFace

Because wearing a mask helps reduce transmission and really isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things??

Edited for you;

Because in my opinion, wearing a mask helps reduce transmission and really isn't a big deal for me, can be for others,in the grand scheme of things??

In both my local Tesco’s I would say around 50% of both staff and customers haven’t been wearing masks for months.

Sainsburys are probably just trying to nab the customers who would rather most people were still wearing masks when shopping.

Sainsbos staff can't attempt to enforce it because of the potential risk of disability discrimination (not all exemptions stem from disability but more than zero do). It was a minefield even when there was an actual law, but once there's no legal obligation whatsoever and nothing but the company's claimed preference, it becomes an even less viable option.

Added to which, they don't actually want people who aren't wearing masks not to shop with them, of course. So naturally they won't be doing anything to try and actively require face coverings. It's gesture, nothing more.

@BoodleBug51

There are a lot of MN users who'll still be wearing their masks in 10 years time.

You know, just in case.

They are "following the science"

@BoodleBug51

There are a lot of MN users who'll still be wearing their masks in 10 years time.

You know, just in case.

Absolutely and still muttering under their masks about how selfish others are :)

It depends.

Are we talking about proper N95 surgical masks or grubby bits of material?

Because maybe, like me, they are firmly convinced that the dropping of restrictions is a political move rather than one based on science. Why would anyone trust a decision made by the current government?

I hate it when people bring politics into every thread and I'm not usually a political person, but I can't see it any other way.

@WinterGold

It depends.

Are we talking about proper N95 surgical masks or grubby bits of material?

I don't think supermarkets have ever specified anything further than face covering but you'd have to check with Sainsbury's. I have never seen any of these 'grubby bits of material' that seem to only exist on MN, just perfectly normal looking face coverings/masks.

@Blinkingbatshit

Ok then, let’s just tell all those silly surgeons and doctors to stop bothering to wear masks during operations etc - it’s not like they make any difference in the transmission of anything according to the ‘science’ spouted by many posters here!!🙄

I used to work as a theatre nurse. Face masks are used in operating theatres, mainly to prevent the transfer of infections between patient and surgeon. Unless a mask is worn, blood or other secretions from the patient can enter the surgeon's mouth, maximising the chances of infection.

@Huntswomanonthemove and is it true, as a previous poster said, that surgeons and surgical staff only wear fit tested FFP3 masks, or do they wear the blue surgical masks that lots of people have been wearing through the pandemic?

I’ve only been in a surgical environment a couple of times, but I remember seeing those blue surgical masks worn by everyone there.

I know they’re worn to prevent a patient’s bodily fluids from getting on the staff, but are they also not worn to stop the opposite? Eg a surgeon sneezing and it going on the patient? I thought they worked both ways.

I am taking the cat to the vets later and have just had an email to confirm I must wear a mask which seems reasonable.
I've just been into town and most people I saw were still wearing masks so I think many don't think it's that big a deal to carry on anyway.

I'm hearing from March company sick pay won't be paid for covid

So will go through the usual sickness channels. After 3 sicknesses in a rolling year, it means dismissal for many

So what will people do? Come in to work with covid. As they can't afford to be unpaid, and for most the illness is mild so they won't risk the time off. And remain maskless

@GirlInACountrySong

Legal requirement to isolate comes to an end on the 24th March. Would assume that’s why sick pay ending for covid but not good for those who are too unwell to work.

@GirlInACountrySong

I'm hearing from March company sick pay won't be paid for covid

So will go through the usual sickness channels. After 3 sicknesses in a rolling year, it means dismissal for many

So what will people do? Come in to work with covid. As they can't afford to be unpaid, and for most the illness is mild so they won't risk the time off. And remain maskless

Ultimately it will just be downgraded to another illness. Like flu there are vaccinations to reduce the risk to vulnerable people. Forcing large numbers of healthy people to isolate for 6-10 days on the say so of a test when they feel otherwise well is unsustainable. By the time we get to March, respiritory illnesses naturally decline and people's health gets more resilient as they start improving their vitamin D levels again.

The practicalities of sick pay are a whole issue in themselves.

@BoodleBug51

There are a lot of MN users who'll still be wearing their masks in 10 years time.

You know, just in case.

Why would it bother you if they do?

I will wear a mask until I feel comfortable not to. Japanese have been wearing masks for years.

Since wearing a mask I have not had a single cold which is great. Colds for me usually end up as a chest infection which are difficult to shift.

So in just over 8 weeks covid is officially over?

No isolating,no masks required and no need to stay home if positive

Never thought I'd see the day!

Marketing gimmick. The scared section of society will see it as a "safe" place to shop.

Japanese have been wearing masks for years.

You're rather misrepresenting things there.

In Japan it's not uncommon to wear a mask if you have a cold and you are sneezing and coughing. It isn't common to wear a mask everywhere, pre-empting infection.

@GirlInACountrySong

So in just over 8 weeks covid is officially over?

No isolating,no masks required and no need to stay home if positive

Never thought I'd see the day!

Does that apply to everybody, or only those who are vaccinated?

@chip

Which part?

@ClaudiaWankleman

Japanese have been wearing masks for years.

You're rather misrepresenting things there.

In Japan it's not uncommon to wear a mask if you have a cold and you are sneezing and coughing. It isn't common to wear a mask everywhere, pre-empting infection.

MN is obsessed with the idea that in 'Asian countries' everyone goes around wearing masks at all times. As you say, they really don't.

I’ve just been to Sainsbury’s. I didn’t wear a mask and it was so nice to not have my glasses steaming up constantly. I’d say it was 50/50 as to masks/no masks both for staff and customers.

[quote GirlInACountrySong]@chip

Which part?[/quote]
All of it. Or are restrictions still going to be there for those who are unvaccinated?

Popped into my Sainsburys Local earlier for some bread and milk. I didn’t wear a mask. Two other shoppers inside - one with mask, one not. Staff not wearing mask.