Will you be wearing a mask?

Eloethan

Not unless I'm forced to. I don't know if it's the shape of my face/ears but they keep coming off and I'm sure continually messing about with them is worse than not wearing them at all.

I made some, Eloethan, the 'duck's shaped ones from the Olson pattern and used the thin round elastic. This goes round my head, on below and one above my ears, which is more comfortable.

It also holds wayward lockdown hair in place!
Someone I know cut strips of t shirt material which ties in a bow at the back of the head when making children's masks.

Sorty, Eloethan, To make it clearer:

The elastic doesn't go behind my ears. It's long enough to go right round my head.

Sorry, not sorty

Thank you Callistemon

I haven't read the whole thread but wanted to add an observation.
This morning I went to our our town centre for the first time since lockdown. I went on the bus.
The bus was nearly empty and everyone wore a mask - including me.
In town I went into the bank, all well spaced out. Then Tesco - same there. Masks about 50/50 - I wore mine.
The sad difference I noticed though was the lack of communication betwen people, verbal and otherwise. the town used to be a very sociable place, at bus stops, on the bus, in and out of shops etc. Most people have lived here all their lives.
I used to go there partly to chat to people, whether I know them or not. But not possible now. hoping and praying this stage of the virus doesn't last too long.

I know what you mean. I’m not the most social of people but have always enjoyed chats with strangers on buses, trains: fellow dog walkers etc. Thankfully, the internet does fill the gap to a certain extent.

NannyC2

Well put, Honda Boy - you have obviously done a lot of research.
As for the evidence base behind the use of facemasks in surgery, the JRSM (Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine) -they examined the evidence -

Overall there is a lack of substantial evidence to support claims that facemasks protect either patient or surgeon from infectious contamination. More rigorous contemporary research is needed to make a definitive comment on the effectiveness of surgical facemasks.

A contemporary questionnaire-based study, which attempted to assess the attitudes of surgeons, revealed that 96% of responders wore facemasks. About equal numbers did so with the primary aim of protecting the patients compared to protecting themselves. However, it was also found that 20% of responding surgeons wore the mask for the sole purpose of respecting tradition. Furthermore, 30% of responding surgeons felt that masks could make surgery more difficult by increasing breath condensation on spectacles, endoscopes and microscopes and thereby obscuring vision.
(Good point about condensation)!

The latest National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines on the matter do not require operating staff to wear a mask in theatre. This decision was based primarily upon the findings of a Cochrane systematic review.

So, we have lots of info out there.
I will have respect for others by not getting too close, but I will not be driven by fear and control.

I agree with Peter Hichens today who said....

"Every day I still see unhappy, frightened people cringing from human contact. They have been terrified almost out of their minds by foolish government propaganda, and the most basic trust, the very heart of civilisation, has been destroyed.
Millions of us know this is all the most appalling rubbish, based on wild, wrong guesses and twisted figures, and one day soon I hope an icy public inquiry will condemn those responsible for the grave, incompetents they are."

Never mind anger - we need to try and relax, it is much healthier. We need to heed pathologists who do know what they are talking about and should be allowed to do more autopsies.
'You don't die because of Covid - you die with it'!

Each individual has to be allowed to make their own choices.

You don’t die because of Covid
Well, Nanny C2
You might like to take note of this from Sky News today
The long-term effects of COVID-19, even on people who suffered a mild infection, could be far worse than was originally anticipated, according to researchers and doctors in northern Italy

Psychosis, insomnia, kidney disease, spinal infections, strokes, chronic tiredness and mobility issues are being identified in former coronavirus patients in Lombardy, the worst-affected region in the country

The doctors warn that some victims may never recover from the illness and that all age groups are vulnerable

Worth thinking about.

There are an awful lot of cowed- down scared people out there. Could be, would be, what if. Brain washed by endless subliminal messages. Very sad state of affairs.

Ah well! Hopefully all these people who won't wear mask will be staying at home. At least shops will be safer for the rest of us. Whatever happened to British fortitude? Wearing a mask is the least of our worries.

Hear hear Growstuff.

I just read an article that said people wore face masks during the blitz: recommended by the government who were worried that people crammed into the underground would result in flu epidemics. So people wanting the blitz spirit to resurrect itself should wear masks.

Just got two home made masks today from someone who is making them, donations going to the local hospice.

Good wheeze I thought.

This from Judy Murray!

Haha MawB that’s a good one.?

The Daily Mail isn’t always the most unbiased of papers!

craftyone

There are an awful lot of cowed- down scared people out there. Could be, would be, what if. Brain washed by endless subliminal messages. Very sad state of affairs.

Not at all. Just because you have a different opinion does not mean you are correct.

I presume you are trying to say that those who agree on wearing masks are somehow less intelligent than you and don’t think for themselves.

No words.

Well there are still people who are too “cool” to wear seat belts - no comment
Not many who omit to wear helmets on motor bikes but there was a time when they were pooh poohed too.

What I find inconsistent is that there are some who expressed how miserable they have been under lockdown/shielding and are at actual risk on account of their age or health issues - why are some of them bleating about face masks now.
Masks are not the problem - Covid 19 is.

I've been wearing a mask out in public ever since all of this began, and I've encouraged all my family and friends in the UK to do so too. Some of them have, and some haven't, basically because they say they felt stupid!

I'm so glad it's going to made mandatory, because I care about these people, and much prefer that they stay as safe as possible. Everyone where I live wears masks, and we have very few cases/deaths. Hopefully, with it being made mandatory in the UK, and more people having to wear them, then less people will feel 'stupid'! I swear some people would secretly be happier wearing a mask, but just worry about what others think!

I shall be wearing a mask because I am public-spirited, even though I am not convinced they are protective, either way. I feel the wearing of it is to encourage more people to come out of lockdown, but those who are just emerging expect to find queues, one way systems, two metre distancing and strictly NO overtaking, which is not practical any more with more people using the shops and returning to work, therefore less time.

Good post Nansnet..

A few days ago I visited 2 supermarkets.
Doors were well supervised with hand gel and wipes available and everyone distancing and wearing a mask.
Far from feeling cowed I felt confident and pleased to see such considerate fellow-shoppers.

I agree with NS that there was virtually 100% compliance - a good example of her leading by example.

'You don't die because of Covid - you die with it'!

Ah - now I get it! No-one has died because of Covid! Brilliant! That has cheered me up a treat! Into the bin goes the mask!

It is interesting that some people have felt there is less social contact when people are out and about. I have found the opposite - it seems to encourage people to talk to one another. Some have a bit of a grumble and we ask each other how things are going for them and if here is anything we can do for them. All very jolly!

Luckygirl

*'You don't die because of Covid - you die with it'!*

Ah - now I get it! No-one has died because of Covid! Brilliant! That has cheered me up a treat! Into the bin goes the mask!

It holds your hand and puts your arm round you while you die!

What a crock of _!

I can’t get the picture out of my head now of the virus with long arms wrapping around us, like Mr Tickle........