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AIBU

about wearing face masks/coverings

(189 Posts)
ExD Tue 09-Jun-20 14:14:23

I went to our local post office to return a parcel and was the only one there wearing a mask.
Its a tiny shop and can only accommodate 3 people at a time and everyone was standing 6ft apart, but I felt a bit foolish in my mask. In fact I stood there feeling a real plonker.
Was I right in continuing to wear it, or should I have followed the others and defied the virus? What would you have done?
(I am 81 but in good health)

JadeOlivia Wed 10-Jun-20 16:02:34

Definitely wear it ....anything that protects us is worth doing. If the others did the same we might end lockdown ....they are the ones thzt should be feeling like plonkers.

Furret Wed 10-Jun-20 16:07:10

Gloves are not ‘proven to make the spread worse’.

ChrisK Wed 10-Jun-20 16:11:53

I think each person should do what feels right for them and what makes one feel safe, personally I don't and have not felt vulnerable.

Blinko Wed 10-Jun-20 16:13:54

However I feel pretty hacked off at the staff in Tesco who were sniggering about it -

Shop staff should not be sniggering. They should be wearing masks! I would be inclined to complain to the shop management and point out exactly that.

Txquiltz Wed 10-Jun-20 16:18:22

We are being told to continue wearing masks. Seems like a minor inconvenience for possible personal gain. The other day a man shook his head when he saw my mask. I simply said, "I wear it for you ". He blushed and walked away. I might add he was the only person I saw without a mask.

EmilyHarburn Wed 10-Jun-20 16:22:07

I visited Boots Chemist wearing a mask and felt fine and hoped it showed the other hhoppers that I was trying to be responsible. I also had my eyes lasered yesterday at the community optical health and was asked to wear a mask.

Whitewavemark2 Wed 10-Jun-20 16:25:45

I went to the chiropodist today. It was the first time that I had been into a shop building of any sort. I wore a mask for the first time and realised after I had entered the building that I had it on upside down! I couldn’t take it off to change it so that was that failure! It was unpleasant wearing it as well.

Whitewavemark2 Wed 10-Jun-20 16:26:38

Lots of people are wearing masks around here.

CBBL Wed 10-Jun-20 16:59:20

I wore a mask when taking my cat to the Vet. The Vets wore them too, when taking the pet into and out of the building (Owners have to wait outside, in their cars). Yes, some people give you "funny looks" - but don't let it bother you! You are doing the right thing - others are not.

Naty Wed 10-Jun-20 17:41:07

Continue to wear a mask, OP!

maddyone Wed 10-Jun-20 18:42:12

I wore my home made mask when I made my first visit to Lidl last week. My husband went with me and he wore his. A few people were wearing masks, but not that many. I regard it as the responsible thing to do. It protects other people, and I find it difficult to accept that it doesn’t offer any level of protection to myself. I realise it doesn’t offer full protection, but it surely must offer some protection.

Willow500 Wed 10-Jun-20 18:46:53

I've just been to BM Stores this afternoon and decided to wear one of the home made masks I'd done but as with the paper ones I tried last week it interfered with my vision even though they were both below my eyes and the nose wire was secure. I wear hard contact lenses so anything near my eyes seems to disturb them. My vision is poor to start with so I'm not sure how to cope with a mask now confused I only saw one other lade in a mask and two young girls (although one had pulled hers down under her chin next time I saw her!).

Callistemon Wed 10-Jun-20 19:25:10

I made a couple this afternoon - as Vaughan Gething has advised that they should have three layers, that is what I did.

Now I need a glass of wine
Who would think something so small and simple would be so difficult? Or perhaps it is me because I haven't done a lot of sewing for quite some time.

I used this pattern if anyone is interested - it fits well without the need for stiffeners.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tM3d-nitDI

Bumboseat1 Wed 10-Jun-20 19:41:17

Yes I always wear a Face mask especially going into shops . I just don’t care a hoot what people think as I’m know I’m doing what I think is best .And I feel much safer too. I’ve been busy making my own face mask and now I have a nice collection I can wash out every time I use

LuckyFour Wed 10-Jun-20 19:42:17

Always wear a mask in public. The main reason I wear one is that it reminds people to keep their distance from you when they see you wearing it. I've seen people walking about with them and people just go passsed far too close because they forget or can't be bothered. When you wear a mask they always keep their distance, it's a visible reminder.

BlackGrannie Wed 10-Jun-20 20:42:10

I have made a few masks using a tutorial on YouTube with fabric that cheers me up, wear them whenever I go out

Sawsage2 Thu 11-Jun-20 00:07:00

I always wear mask and gloves when shopping. If someone is infected and coughs near you, even with 2m distance you could get it?

Grannynannywanny Thu 11-Jun-20 07:32:46

montymops I was interested you said you have proven you currently have immunity after having had covid symptoms.

Hope you don’t mind me asking, how were you able to do so? Are you in the UK? My daughter had covid and on the advice of her rheumatologist she has to work from home until she has an antibody test to prove it’s safe for her to return to her workplace. She’s keen to get back to work but hasn’t been able to avail of a test.

Whitewavemark2 Thu 11-Jun-20 07:46:10

Scientists from Kings College have described this governments handling of the virus as primitive.

They are recommending wearing masks.

I shall take note of scientists not the government as I think they know less than we do.

Shropshirelass Thu 11-Jun-20 09:14:42

I wear one in shops, I was one of the 'few' but have noticed more people wearing them now. I would rather take as much protection as possible, if the others don't want to that is their choice.

Daisyboots Thu 11-Jun-20 11:07:39

Here in Portugal you have to wear a mask when in public buildings and in public transport and taxis. You wouldnt be allowed into a supermarket if not wearing a mask. Even in restaurants and cafes you have to wear them to enter and place your order. Then you may remove them unless you move around say to use the toilet facilities or paying the bill. There is also hand sanitizer to use before you enter any building. Its been like that since 4th May.

moggie57 Thu 11-Jun-20 12:46:29

well i think you done right /plonker or not .you are elderly and anyone could have coughed or sneezed on you...i wear one on a bus ...

Keffie12 Thu 11-Jun-20 19:03:59

I don't care what others think and neither should you. I wear one on enclosed spaces like supermarkets etc. I shall continue to do so too.

On a human level it reminds people to keep 2 metres away (put politely) Anyway on public transport, hospitals, Drs etc they are mandatory now.

My own view is they should be mandatory in any enclosed space for adults. I would rather feel stupid than get it or give it someone

MayBee70 Thu 11-Jun-20 19:44:22

I agree that it should be mandatory. I’ve ordered a face mask which hasn’t arrived yet and I don’t go anywhere anyway but may venture forth when I have it. However I’ve realised that I am actually feeling quite nervous about doing so even though I’ve been ranting on about wearing masks for ages. Which shows that, no matter how old you are peer group pressure does still affect you and you still want to be accepted by those around you. And how there is a fear of being sniggered at which takes me back to teenage years.

TwinLolly Thu 11-Jun-20 21:09:40

In France there are many people who go to the shops wearing face masks. In some shops it is mandatory, e.g. a DIY shop: Leroy Merlin.

So don't feel like an idiot. It is for your protection. If they get ill and you don't - you were wise!