about wearing face masks/coverings

Maybe some people don't realise that wearing a mask does not protect you from getting the virus. It's been generally acknowledged that wearing a mask simply protects you from infecting others. You have to realise, should someone cough or sneeze in your vicinity a mask will not stop any particles from being absorbed through your eyes ... that's why NHS Covid-19 protection includes a full-face transparent shield attached to a helmet.

Therefore by wearing one you are not doing yourself any favours ... you are doing everyone else a favour! No need to feel like a plonker if you are protecting those around you.

A mask protects others this is why they are making it compulsory on public transport

@PamelaJ1
I bought some elastic from Amazon very cheap and just the job. I always wear a mask in shops and enclosed places. I too have had odd looks but I don't care what other people think. I have a low immune system so I want to stay safe.

Once I am allowed out I shall certainly wear one on public transport, having my hair cut, and for medical appointments.
I have online ordered two patterned, washable ones plus a pack of filters from Vistaprint.
I did watch a YouTube video on making no sew masks from old T shirts and I don't think elastic was involved, They were tied on at the back. Trouble is I can't find one I want to sacrifice.

Any tips on how to wear my mask while suffering truly awful hay fever this month? I know it’s the usual non-contagious hay fever, not a head cold or worse! I just have to shop 1-2x a week to supermarket 7 miles away!

I think we should do what helps us to feel safe. In my case I haven't worn a mask when out for a walk, or out in the open air, however if going in a shop or any other inside space I intend to. I haven't yet as I haven't been in a shop since lockdown began- not shielding -husband does the shopping.
I have put together a 'Covid' pack for in the car (gloves, masks, wipes, handgel) and a backpack containing similar is to be used instead of a handbag. This is just to help my confidence when out I think, a bit like a safety blanket.

hi Callistemon, I used material from pillow cases. At first I used 100% cotton but then I read that polycotton worked just as well. Use 3 layers

PamelaJ1

Barney old bat, keeps the flies out of your mouth?

Thanks to all who are wearing a mask. It keeps me safer. I’ve just made half a dozen but can’t find any elastic?

Pamela, I got some recently on Ebay, reasonably priced and quite fast delivery if that helps ?

You do NOT want to try the full face cover Islamic style unless you are used to it.It is HOT ......

Wearing masks on public transport is now made compulsory in England from 15 June, as 2m socially distancing isn't possible at all times.
The current guidance is that masks for general public should be home made fabric ones, not a medical grade, unless you are a key worker.

I haven't worn one yet as not in particularly vulnerable category and have not had symptoms or been in contact with any one with symptoms. I would estimate that less than 10 per cent of food shoppers around here are wearing one, but I expect numbers may increase after 15 June, and when smaller non essential shops and services open again.
Access to testing and availability vaccine will be key to risk reduction as COVID 19 is not going to disappear completely. In the meantime I think we should apply common sense to own circumstances, and follow guidance where possible.

Where I live, I see more and more people wearing masks now,

And as from next week, those of us who venture out on buses will have to wear them. I won’t be one of them just yet, but I might consider wearing a mask for shopping. I do use disposable gloves though.

I’m usually the only one wearing a mask at our small post office, but if anyone thinks I look like a plonker, frankly I don’t care.
I only wear it when actually inside the shop. I find them too hot and steamy to wear for long.

I haven’t worn one but have social distanced and kept away from any crowded areas. I do like wearing scarves though so I have experimented with wrapping them around so I can cover up if needed. I have to go for a blood test and have been told to wear a face covering so will try it all out on Friday. However come the winter when perhaps social distancing is easing and more bugs are flying around I’m pretty sure my scarves will be worn more often.

YANBU, I will be wearing a mask when I shop.

I always wear a mask whilst doing my weekly shop or going to the chemist. It always surprises me though the number of people who don't wear masks - probably about 60%. During any outdoor activity I never wear one but always adhere to the 2 m distancing rule.

It's your health, you could be the only plonker around because you took precautions

I think it depends on where you are going. If you know you'll be in a situation where you'll be in a confined space with other people, then it's sensible. Outdoors, not so necessary.

Government have recommended, but not compulsory wearing masks in shops. I’ve been wearing one when I go to shops. Don’t feel a fool every large supermarket is full of people wearing masks.

Gloves are really dangerous if they are worn repeatedly. They spread infection. In fact some shops won’t allow gloves now. They provide hand sanitizer on entering and exiting
Gloves can only be worn once. Eg to get petrol for car

Keep wearing your mask - I’m 76, have had Covid and recovered luckily. I’ve proved that I have immunity at the moment so I don’t wear a mask - maybe there are many people out there like me who don’t feel the need to wear one. I do have masks but hate wearing them - can’t breathe properly and my glasses steam up!!

I wear a mask often I am the only one wearing one .
I feel a little self conscious but I will carry on wearing a mask .
It’s like look before you cross the road better to careful then not

I have this morning been to hospital for an eye appointment, I believe it is now mandatory to wear a mask when attending. I wore my mask even though it was hot and uncountable wearing it. There were only about 50% of people wearing masks and that included a lot of staff moving around e hospital!

ExD: Congratulations for protecting others - that is what masks are for. For many years, and long before this virus, I suffered almost annually from chest infections - horribly debilitating. On such occasions, I always wore a reusable face mask to protect my family and in public whenever I went to the surgery or hospital. I am now 83 and have been isolated for 12 weeks. I will not be going out and about just yet, When I do I will be wearing my face mask. Keep up your good work.

47 girl: absolutely. We’re all in this together and have to protect others. Having said that, as someone has said earlier it has been found that a mask also protects the wearer, so if everyone wears one it greatly reduces transmission. But we shouldn’t do something just because it benefits us and some of the comments on this thread appall me. I’ve just bought two kinds of mask: a disposable one closer to medical grade that says it doesn’t guarantee protection for the wearer but reading between the lines probably does to a certain extent and a washable one that’s stretchy and looks very comfortable. The former I shall wear if and when I do venture into a shop. DH bought the disposable ones from Boots this morning: very impressed. One in one out: door locked between customers.

Yes, I agree you should wear a mask where it is difficult to be 2 metres apart ie: shops, public places, transportation. It is for the good of others after all and something we should have been doing since day 1 of the lockdown. Some people do not have a clue about social distancing or couldn't care less, so at the end of the day, look after your self and your health. Keep masking up!!!