2 metre distance...

Good point Grandad, there's other situations also highlighted recently such as those who need to lipread being disadvantaged but I guess each situation which doesn't suit the one-size-fits-all will need to be dealt with individually.
I saw a woman the other day wearing a mask with her nose prominently stuck out over the top of it, and the other day was very glad of the plastic screens in the supermarket check out when the cashier had a fit of coughing, without covering her mouth!
A little tip for those wanting to get masks but struggling with availability; as a motorcycle rider, I already use what we refer to as buffs, ie neck tubes. I just use mine around my neck and pulled up over my mouth and nose, so just doing the same now and not pulling it down now when I get off the bike. They can be worn in a variety of other ways, including as a headband to cover roots awaiting the reopening of hairdressers (not a problem for me, my hair is white and doesn't need any touching in). I've just bought some new colourful ones, so suggest you look on eBay etc and do a search for biker neck tubes. I suggest you avoid the ones with skull or teeth in the designs, that is unless you like that sort of thing. And don't get the thermal ones, they'll be too hot for the summer, or the actual Buffet brand, as they're expensive. Hope this helps.

cor blimey Elegran thats a bit strong for this time in the morning ain't it. ?

Life itself is a hazard; none of us are going to get past it safely for ever. We just have to do what we can to make our journey bearable and delay the inevitable final arrival.

Then it's a case of between the devil and the deep blue sea!

Wearing of masks in workplaces can be a hazard in itself when clear communication between workers is essential.

By example to the above, clear communication is always required in a workplace where heavy mechanical handling equipment is moving about (forklift trucks, pallet trucks etc).

The operators of that equipment always are trained to call out to those around them when they are about to move. However, when wearing a mask that warning call can be muted and not clear to others.

Despite many companies not operating for the past seven weeks, there does seem to be a large spike in accidents in distribution centres which are operating and where such equipment is prevalent and masks are being worn.

Mask wearing is certainly not compulsory - it is just a recommendation, purely for public transport and situations where it is impossible to keep a safe distance. I worry that masks will give people a false sense of security - a mask will not prevent the person who is wearing it getting the virus, but it might (and its only might, there is no real evidence to support this) provide some protection for others from you.

Yes we are told that wearing masks only protect other people. That's why it's important that everybody wears them!

I have an allergy to tree pollen, don't often cough with it but I can guarantee if I am going to have a coughing "fit" it will happen when I'm in a queue at the Supermarket.

I don't wear gloves when I'm shopping as you can spread the virus from one item to another but I do use hand sanitizer, I have carried a small bottle with me at all times when I'm out as I'm allergic to most soaps.

Wearing a mask only protects others from you (should you have Covid 19), they offer no protection to you. NHS Podiatrist advised me of this when they had to start wearing masks, aprons & gloves.

The lady who coughed in the supermarket could well have asthma. I have asthma and some lung damage and I cough. The last time I went into a supermarket, maybe about 8 weeks ago, we were queuing at the till and my husband asked it I was ok. I think I was going purple trying to suppress a cough. I also have an allergy to tree pollen so could clear a huge area of people!

Elegran : I have to use trek poles to keep my balance on poor pavements. Unless you shorten the poles and stow them in your trolley how are you supposed to collect and carry your shopping? I am fortunate in living opposite a well stocked village shop and make a point of being in at quiet times when there no more than five or six people. However the aisles between shelving are narrow, so a dance goes on to avoid trying to pass anyone. As I no longer drive, I can't reach a supermarket anyway. If I lived half a mile from the shop at the end of the village, I would be in trouble.

a cloth or surgical mask over mouth and nose will give some protection to other people; a visor, gloves and long sleeves and trousers will protect you as long as they are discarded and cleaned without any of the outside having touched skin, especially face.
People I know working in hospitals discard all clothes as near to their home door as possible, bundle them into a bag to take them to a washing machine and then thoroughly shower. If you've got a garage, great, it'll keep the outside out of the home. I don't suggest stripping on the pavement!
Cleaning all shopping, discarding outer packaging if possible, getting out of outer clothes, leaving shoes near the door, having a shower before putting shopping away is a good precaution, as well as washing hands thoroughly etc and never touching your face while out (this is the reason there has been dispute about surgical mask wearing, if you adjust it when out then you will touch your face. Take gloves off, spray hands, adjust mask, put gloves back on. )

another drawing of a willy hanging over the top of half-mast underpants
Elegran So that's why I've been humming "Bridge over Troubled Waters " all day!
OoRoo

My DD told me ages ago that 27 feet was supposed to be the safe distance. I don't stand that far away if a neighbour comes to the door or on the rare occasions I see my grandchildren from a distance. I don't go to the shops, so it doesn't affect me there. I think 2 metres has been chosen as a workable distance but I am not sure it's very effective.

Two metres is recommended. I think if you feel more is better then use more space.

Denmark is reducing the distance to 1 metre. Presumably they are a better educated nation that us and know how to sneeze and cough properly i.e into something!

Two metres have proved effective in Denmark, but of course, if people cough or sneeze they cover their mouth, as I am sure you all were brought up to do as well.

Everyone is talking as if people commonly cough, sneeze or yawn without covering their mouth, but that is definitely not the case here, nor do I remember it being common in the UK the last time I was there on holiday.

?

There is a cartoon on Facebook that shows a mask worn with the nose hanging over the top, and a caption that says "Wearing your mask like this is like wearing your underwearlike this!", and another drawing of a willy hanging over the top of half-mast underpants.

The mask on woman behind me at the check out yesterday didn’t offer much protection to those in her vicinity.

She pulled it down onto her chin to let rip with a harsh burst of coughing!

Thanks Carly then it makes sense to rinse/wipe/disinfect the shopping. After that we 've got to leave it to chance!

Masks do not give much protection to the wearer, they give more protection to the people around the wearer.

* Calendargirl* I did not suggest him because I thought it might suit him ?

Jishere The mask is for other people’s protection, not yours. You won’t spread the virus from your eyes but I can see what you are thinking.

I just wish they had made mask wearing compulsory everywhere, not just in shops and public transport.

Boris in a crinoline!

?

Mawbe A doctor on the radio this morning said that Covid19 is very similar in danger to Ebola but, because of where it originated, Ebola was isolated very quickly. Apparently, it did not spread because of the testing and tracking that went on as soon as it appeared

Thecatshatontgmat I would love to see some of the wrestlers in crinolines ?