Wonderful News - No more face masks

rosie1959

I seem to remember the same discussions when restrictions were lifted in July 2021 we seemed to have no great problems after that until Omicron

We have now double jabbed a great proportion of the population plus boosted this winter

You are undoubtedly aware that most schools in England are closed at the end of July/August. Not only that, but people tend to spend less time indoors in the summer months.

Omicron is more infectious than Delta and other variants and is not always mild. Not only that, but other variants are still circulating.

I find it difficult to believe that people can make such a fuss about wearing a mask, which for the vast majority of people is nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

The figures are not low, but dropping from very high levels. There may well be an increase as a result of removal of measures. We are going to have to live with the virus but the country is hardly in a good position with regards to management at this precice moment. Mind you, if you were looking to distract from other issues........

Germanshepherdsmum

I would think there’s a considerable difference between lifting restrictions in July when cases are low, people spend far more time outside and the windows are open and lifting them in January when cases hover around 100,000 a day and people are huddled indoors Rosie.

In July I believe cases were around, 39k per day so not that low
Our vacation program was not so far advanced as it is now
We were also dealing with Delta not Omicron which appears to be taking over
After the July opening infection continued to drop
The public have now been asked to still wear masks in crowded settings now not so many will comply but I suspect quite a few will
But regardless the rules will change next week and only time will tell

Surely wearing a mask must help. Not breathing over people has got to have some impact. Common sense!

I wonder if those who are so vehemently against masks would be happy to undergo surgery if the doctors, nurses, anaesthetists and other theatre staff were not wearing masks? There's a reason they wear them...

Or be in close proximity to an unmasked person suffering from covid? Could be an unmasked asymptotic person sitting next to them on the bus.

Varian

Yes, I understand probability and once did a short course in it along with several PhD students.

I'm not relying on anecdotal evidence.

Statistics have shown, quite nicely, that when facemask restrictions are brought in, covid levels go up and vice versa. You only have to compare Wales, Scotland and England to see what I mean.

Thank Heavens - TFL have kept the mask-wearing rule here in London - a little common sense prevails!

On the use of face coverings, Boris said: “In the country at large, we will continue to suggest the use of face coverings in enclosed or crowded spaces, particularly when you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet, but we will trust the judgment of the British people and no longer criminalise anyone who chooses not to wear one.”

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I shall continue to use my common sense especially till springtime. Use of masks - not so much, but by keeping a safe distance, is more important for me.

I shall still wear my face mask. I am past caring what Boris tells me to do anymore.

particularly when you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet
Is that not the key? That if we are careful about those we mix with, who are likely to be those who are being careful too, then we can relax a bit. If, however we and those others start to extend our social matrix then of course it all becomes more risky again?

Despite my glasses fogging up I shall continue to wear mine.

Growstuff I am not making fuss about wearing a mask I rarely go where one is needed but you do have the right idea wearing a FFP2 mask as they are superior to the normal blue surgical masks which are often badly fitted
But I do accept that not everyone likes them or wants to wear them I avoid places because I find them claustrophobic

Josieann ??

45,000 deaf children in this country are very very happy ?

Urmstongran

On the use of face coverings, Boris said: “In the country at large, we will continue to suggest the use of face coverings in enclosed or crowded spaces, particularly when you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet, but we will trust the judgment of the British people and no longer criminalise anyone who chooses not to wear one.”

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I shall continue to use my common sense especially till springtime. Use of masks - not so much, but by keeping a safe distance, is more important for me.

How can you keep a safe distance in shop queues? Just as one example.

And why not face masks ?

MerylStreep

45,000 deaf children in this country are very very happy ?

Absolutely MerylStreep along with those on the spectrum along with all the children with SEN.

A high quality mask worn and fitted correctly is helpful in stopping/limiting transmission of Covid and other airborne viruses.

Unfortunately a quick stroll round any town centre, shopping mall or supermarket highlights that there are many many folk who have poor fitting poor quality masks which are as efficient as a chocolate teapot.

I agree that some masks are better than others and should always fit well. Nevertheless, even cloth or the normal blue masks stop some droplets (not all by any means) which reduces the concentration of infectious particles and reduces overall risk.

(According the majority of those who know about these things, anyway.)

PS. Just because some people don't wear them properly doesn't mean that an attempt shouldn't be made to encourage people to wear them.

GrannyGravy13

MerylStreep

45,000 deaf children in this country are very very happy ?

Absolutely MerylStreep along with those on the spectrum along with all the children with SEN.

What percentage of the population is that? If most other people wear them, those who can't will benefit from reduced risk.

Just use a bit of common sense. I'm pleased the Covid restrictions are ending and I can choose if and when I want to wear a face mask. The main thing I will still do is disinfect my hands after touching doors, supermarket trollies, cash machines etc that's where I think most of the germs are.

rosie1959

Growstuff I am not making fuss about wearing a mask I rarely go where one is needed but you do have the right idea wearing a FFP2 mask as they are superior to the normal blue surgical masks which are often badly fitted
But I do accept that not everyone likes them or wants to wear them I avoid places because I find them claustrophobic

I don't like them, but I'm not daft and I'm not making a big fuss about a little inconvenience.

Maudi

Just use a bit of common sense. I'm pleased the Covid restrictions are ending and I can choose if and when I want to wear a face mask. The main thing I will still do is disinfect my hands after touching doors, supermarket trollies, cash machines etc that's where I think most of the germs are.

If that's what you think, I'm afraid you're wrong.

LilacChaser

Varian

Yes, I understand probability and once did a short course in it along with several PhD students.

I'm not relying on anecdotal evidence.

Statistics have shown, quite nicely, that when facemask restrictions are brought in, covid levels go up and vice versa. You only have to compare Wales, Scotland and England to see what I mean.

No, statistics have not shown that at all. I don't know what statistics course you did, but I'd ask for my money back if I were you.