about wearing face masks/coverings

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 ?

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

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.

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!

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.

@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.

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

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.

You carry on doing what you feel is right @ExD. Let them stare ... I think they are ridiculous in thinking that they are more superior by not protecting themselves and, in so doing, are subjecting others to their invasion. Hold your head high.

ExD......you did exactly the right thing. My mother in law is 82....I'm sending her a reusable mask with filter.....she lives 200 miles away. She has said she will wear it everywhere....she has just completed the isolation period and understandably is feeling quite anxious about her trips out in future. She's very independent....as you also sound.....it will give her a certain amount of reassurance and also us as a family, worrying about her. I say wear your mask wherever you go, irrespective of what everyone else is doing. You need to look after yourself first and foremost ???

The scientific view is that it doesn’t protect you but may protect others. Not quite sure how they’ve come to that conclusion in a scientific manner. If you want to wear one, why not. Personally, I don’t but would wear a face covering if I was in a small enclosed space as on public transport, otherwise, I meticulously social distance. You shouldn’t wear a mask if exercising though, in fact, two young children died recently in China whilst doing this.

I don't wear a mask when out shopping & certainly not gloves. I have disposable gloves in my car for using when filling up with petrol. I also have wipes for use at cash machines & if I have to touch handles. Masks that are worn incorrectly provide no protection.

I do however always carry hand sanitiser something I've done for years as I cannot use most soaps, I have Dermatitis.

My last two visits to my local Hospital for Podiatry Appointments I have had my temperature checked & been handed a surgical mask to wear, I suspect you would not be allowed to wear your own, also before entering the Out Patients Clinic Area there is a sink & a requirement to wash your hands, this has been mandatory for many years (I've lived here over 5 years)

Enough people are wearing masks these days that you wouldn't have looked silly, even if it just so happened no one else was at that particular time

Gloves are not meant to be worn outside of clinical settings as they are changed after every intervention. They do not provide protection when out and about as you are more likely to touch your face, surfaces etc and not wash your hands which is one of the most effective defence against the spread of covid-19. It doesn't enter the body through skin.

I tend to wear mine in the shops, and feel silly when not many others are wearing one but, better safe than sorry.

ExD. I think you will find its the Niqab that covers the face. The Hijab covers the hair. The Abaya covers the body. Just a little cultural education. Ok.

I wear a mask anytime I am outside, including gardening at the front of my house. I work in a GP surgery and the idiots who knock on our door to collect something then step right up to me without a face covering are amazing, I'm standing inside wearing a mask. We insist everyone who comes in has a face covering and uses the hand sanitizer as the enter and leave and then we clean down anything they've touched.

ExD I think you did absolutely the correct thing in wearing a mask. I haven’t been into a shop since before lockdown due to asthma, and don’t intend to for quite a while but would certainly wear my mask if I had to attend an Urgent appointment. Who cares if people are eye rolling, you are protecting your health.

well done never be afraid to do what is right for your health i wear one every time i go out as an oldie its essential for my well being..no one is going to look after u if u get ill from them.i have always taught my sons to dare to be different all 3 have good careers and and adored by their kids.so keep safe and wear those masks..

I think you have to do what feels right for you. I work in a supermarket and the majority of customers do not wear masks and the only staff that do are those on checkouts in close and regular contact with the customers. Whilst at work and out and about I socially distance and don't wear a mask but if I needed to go in a small enclosed area like a small shop I would definitely put one on.