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Original poster

Are people wearing masks inside the office ?

26 replies

toddymummy · 04/02/2022 22:20

I'm heavily pregnant and need to start going back to the office as of next week.

Are people wearing masks inside ? I'll look like an idiot if I do, won't I ? I would only wear the good ones that protect the wearer too, of course.

I know throughout this, pregnant women have been working on the front line, as well as in teaching and have had no choice. Which is why I'm not making a fuss and just doing in and getting on with it. Just wondering if I can wear a mask though... I'll just look stupid. I'm happy to be at my desk without one, but I'm in a few larger meetings and will feel quite anxious.

Tripple vaccinated, in third trimester and CV.

OP posts:
LikeALeadBalloon · 04/02/2022 22:21

Check with your work. My work are continuing with masks but others aren't.

SkippettyDoDah · 04/02/2022 22:22

My employer states that mask wearing is expected (including inside offices). I don't think anyone could consider you an idiot if you choose to protect yourself and baby simply by wearing a mask.

Original poster
toddymummy · 04/02/2022 22:26

I'll check and even if not required, I will wear my mask. I'll just feel more protected.

OP posts:
Luredbyapomegranate · 04/02/2022 22:29

Wear one if you want to. You are pregnant so people will know why you’re being cautious. You won’t look stupid.

BlowDryRat · 04/02/2022 22:31

I've worked in the office throughout, except for the first lockdown. We've never done masks at desks and most people have now stopped wearing them walking around and in meetings. Some people are wearing them but it's personal preference. No one is judged either way.

ABitOfAShitShow · 04/02/2022 22:32

We have to wear them in the office when we aren’t at our desks. The rules are followed to varying degrees…

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 04/02/2022 22:34

Nope not in our office

eurochick · 04/02/2022 22:38

Ours is the same as @ABitOfAShitShow - you don't need to wear them at your desk but you are supposed to elsewhere.

EileenGC · 04/02/2022 22:40

It's the law where I live so yes, everybody wears them. FFP2 are the only ones allowed. But when the cases were lower and restrictions were relaxed, I find most people wore them anyway.

Who cares what others think. If you feel safer by wearing one, then do so.

LawnFever · 04/02/2022 22:42

It’s only recently been dropped as mandatory and now it’s personal choice, but many people still are when they’re away from their desks.

Angryattrackandtrace · 04/02/2022 22:44

Your work will need to ensure they do a risk assessment for you returning to the office after 28weeks.

Blossom64265 · 04/02/2022 22:47

My workplace requires N95 masks in all shared spaces. They can only be removed in private offices. Workspaces have been re-allocated to maximize private spaces for people who are actually going in.

Whatinthelord · 04/02/2022 22:50

Every one is at my workplace

Original poster
toddymummy · 04/02/2022 22:50

@Angryattrackandtrace

Your work will need to ensure they do a risk assessment for you returning to the office after 28weeks.
Oh OK. A risk assessment in general or because of covid ? Maybe I should email someone about it, before I go in..
OP posts:
CoffeeRunner · 04/02/2022 22:52

We are still wearing masks in the office & have done throughout. Although NHS so that could make a difference.

Ladywoodster · 04/02/2022 22:58

Don't worry about what people think. Do what's best for you and your baby. You don't have to explain yourself. (If your belly is big I doubt anyone will question you anyway)

Sunshinegirl82 · 04/02/2022 23:27

Are you able to work from home OP? Or does your work require you to attend the office?

wondersun · 04/02/2022 23:34

Wear a mask and be proud - you’re reducing the spread of a virus that is still causing a lot of harm in this country and protecting yourself & your baby. The antimask narrative in this country is ridiculous. I delight in wearing one, it’s such an easy mitigation and means you can lip synch swears unnoticed to anyone who doesn’t get it while smiling with your eyes.

wondersun · 04/02/2022 23:35

And ask this too, if you can work from home effectively and want to work from home, they should consider this. They would if a decent employer.

MrsGradyOldLady · 05/02/2022 02:57

You guys need to seriously wake up to what's happening around you.

Your greatest threat right now is not getting covid (which has mutated into a bad cold). The UK economy is kinda fucked. Interest rates have gone up. We've got an energy crisis going on. The bank of England have warned us we're going to face the worse drop of living standards in 30 years. There are many many people who are currently either homeless or facing it. Many others on the brink. Plus all the one's that will follow because their businesses will fail due to inflation or they're on the brink anyway.

And your still pissing about over working conditions and potentially getting a bad cold? You need to be a lot more worried about keeping your home and a lot less worried about covid. Covid is the least of your worries.

MeanderingGently · 05/02/2022 03:44

I'm still wearing a mask to work (not office based, hospitality), one other person does, most have ditched the mask.....some just wear one when they have a cold so as not to pass anything on.
No-one cares really, I'm not judged on it, neither are the mask-ditchers. I wear mine because I feel safer doing so and because it's safer for others, I will ditch it when I feel comfortable to do so.

Original poster
toddymummy · 05/02/2022 04:09

@MrsGradyOldLady

You guys need to seriously wake up to what's happening around you.

Your greatest threat right now is not getting covid (which has mutated into a bad cold). The UK economy is kinda fucked. Interest rates have gone up. We've got an energy crisis going on. The bank of England have warned us we're going to face the worse drop of living standards in 30 years. There are many many people who are currently either homeless or facing it. Many others on the brink. Plus all the one's that will follow because their businesses will fail due to inflation or they're on the brink anyway.

And your still pissing about over working conditions and potentially getting a bad cold? You need to be a lot more worried about keeping your home and a lot less worried about covid. Covid is the least of your worries.

This is extremely patronising. I'm not sure how you came to the conclusion that covid is our biggest threat right now.... just because I asked a simple question about mask wearing.

I'm heavily pregnant and have a small child on top of that. I would like do avoid a bad cold, if I can. I also have a serious medical condition, which can be exasperated by getting a bad cold. I'm not being hysterical about it, I'm not saying I'll refuse to go to the office etc. I'm just trying to minimise the chances a bit.

Even in my last pregnancy, pre covid, I stopped going out as much towards the end. It was in the height of winter and I didn't want to get a bad cold/ flu as I find being pregnant uncomfortable enough.

Your post is so patronising. You have no right to draw such conclusions, based on a simple question. Come off it.

OP posts:
PAFMO · 05/02/2022 05:55

@MrsGradyOldLady

You guys need to seriously wake up to what's happening around you.

Your greatest threat right now is not getting covid (which has mutated into a bad cold). The UK economy is kinda fucked. Interest rates have gone up. We've got an energy crisis going on. The bank of England have warned us we're going to face the worse drop of living standards in 30 years. There are many many people who are currently either homeless or facing it. Many others on the brink. Plus all the one's that will follow because their businesses will fail due to inflation or they're on the brink anyway.

And your still pissing about over working conditions and potentially getting a bad cold? You need to be a lot more worried about keeping your home and a lot less worried about covid. Covid is the least of your worries.

I imagine the OP is less concerned about herself catching Covid, and more about the safety of her unborn child. You win the blithering Whataboutery prize though. Fool.
Flippydip · 05/02/2022 07:21

We don't wear masks at my office and we recently dropped the social distancing. If someone wore a mask they would look a bit out of place but no-one would be bothered by it. Why don't you take one with you and see how you feel when you get there?

Jennifer89 · 05/02/2022 08:29

Considering that you are pregnant and need to be careful I would think it would be fair to request to work from home. My understanding was pregnant women at 28 weeks plus can request this?
I personally would prefer to work from home what with covid and if you have any scares you can then get to doctor or hospital more easily. How far is your commute?