So - now masks protect the wearer?

Does it matter ?

Of course it does but to a much lesser degree. We have always known that, it isn’t new. Anything is better than nothing isn’t it?

The Westminster government has lost all credibility with their constant contradictions and u-turns, you can understand why people are fed up.

We were originally told masks didn't work. No need for them.WHO told us this.

That changed to wearing it for others

Now it helps the wearer as well.

This is nothing to do with the government. They are informed of changes in ideas and act accordingly.

I don’t think the ‘science’ has changed. By wearing a mask you are protecting others. But if course if everyone wears one, the end result is that you are protecting yourself as well. If you see what I mean!

If=of

Here’s a rationale, which I thought was quite powerful.

Whoever it protects, at least it is protecting someone.

Why not wear a mask out in public anyhow. It cannot do any harm.

nit picking.

It's a bit like coffee, eggs and red wine, the latter in moderation of course, At times we have or are told they are bad for us and then conversely other findings will say how beneficial they are.

It protects both as well as 2m distance and all the other things we are asked to do. Picture is a good example Casdon so thanks. Best example for me was seeing peoples breath when it is cold outside and the mix of breath when people are talking even 2m apart without masks.

I read about a study in Holland, that suggested some benefit to wearers. It was not conclusive but evidence is emerging that this may be the case.

I am wearing a mask outside all the time now.
On another GN thread today, there was some skepticism on this issue.

Who was it who said when the facts change, I change my mind or opinion ?? Lets face it viruses mutate and evolve constantly.

Love the positive responses on this thread. Just wear a mask. Great picture Casdon.
Lots of effort has been made to make it easier to wear a mask if you find it difficult. e.g. the plastic frame that holds the mask away from your face has made it easier for some.
Since most of the droplets come from our mouths, perhaps those who find wearing masks difficult for whatever reason or simply refuse to wear them, could compromise by not talking e.g when out shopping.

Well I’ve always thought that was the case anyway! We wear them outside now in busy areas, but not when walking in quiet areas where we hardly meet anybody else.

Does it matter? For goodness sake, just wear the damned thing!

It has been clear since day 1 of the first lockdown that a mask both protects you and protects others. I find it unbelievable that others cannot work that out for themselves as well.

I have worn masks - and disposable gloves - wherever I an out and expected to touch anything, right from the start. As a precaution I always have a pair in my pocket.

I also wear them to protect myself from people like the OP, Those people constantly looking for the tiniest reasons to object to every sensible precaution we are asked to take, for no reason I can see other than a desire to be different or difficult. They are far more dangerous than those that blatantly break the law, because one cannot trust them.

You ask "How can we be sure this isn't a load of propaganda to make sure we all wear masks?" Yes, it is meant to persuade us to wear them. It is also true. The two are not either/or, they are and/and.

So what possible reason could the experts and the government have for putting out "propaganda to make sure we all wear masks"

The only sensible reason that comes to mind is that masks are going to make fewer people succumb to the virus. We then just need to decide whether that a sinister reason, which should make us instantly and automatically do the opposite?, or is it a good reason, which should convince us to wear the damn thing and get protection for ourselves and for others? The is really only one answer, isn't there?

I think it's the opposite other countries were using masks a lot earlier that the UK. Johnson hates the idea of masks.

Perhaps the OP could explain why the government would bother putting out propaganda to make sure we all wear masks, if there wasn't a very good reason?

All that hassle, all that police involvement to make us do something pointless during a pandemic

Casdon

Here’s a rationale, which I thought was quite powerful.

Very powerful....??

Even more powerful with the image!!!...?

I often wonder if wearing a mask prevents infection why have we got so many cases
Gloves are a no no and not recommended at all unless you change them everytime you touch something Coronavirus does not enter through the skin