Face Masks

I do believe to move forward gradually until a vaccine has been approved everybody should wear face masks while we are in close proximity to each other and should be made compulsory to be of any effect.

Why the contribution is important

It is pretty much commonsense really as it keeps our germs to ourselves while passing within the 2-metre distance rule which cannot be applied properly in shops etc.

by oldblueyes on May 05, 2020 at 03:48PM

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Average rating: 3.6
Based on: 68 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Angus May 05, 2020 at 15:52

    100% agree. Masks need to be avaliable for sale in all retail outlets and vending machines (as is the case in Germany)

  • Posted by MJanus May 05, 2020 at 15:54

    Probelm with that is if, like me, you need to be able to lip-read, no chance. Communication goes out the window. Can't hear without seeing the person's lips!!

  • Posted by Ironduke May 05, 2020 at 16:02

    Until there is universal covid immunity either from having it or vacination Face masks in public places and communal transport are a good idea.... Anyway it will slow the spread of other virus's like colds ad flue.. it is modus operandi in Japan and Korea so why not here.

  • Posted by jenny333 May 05, 2020 at 16:03

    I am trying to design my own head wear and have ordered a few things of e-bay to try as I am not too sure about cloth masks, or the type that offer virtually no protection.

  • Posted by Willyscotsman May 05, 2020 at 16:04

    I would appreciate clear guidance of a suitable face mask. There are plenty on sale on the Internet at ridiculously over inflated prices and some are for use as dust masks only. I like the idea of vending machines and availability in supermarkets. 2 products at most and easily available.

  • Posted by Scotelka May 05, 2020 at 16:08

    Agree. Many European countries started introducing obligatory masks and are easing the restrictions already, recording constant decreases in new cases/deaths. Look at stats for Chech Republic, Austria, Germany. Still nobody wants to confirm that masks work from the scientific point of view, however for me out it's an empirical proof, same as in other Asian countries. Understandable that UK government can't order public to wear a face mask when NHS are not provided with PPE, however any form of face covering should be introduced before we ease the restrictions.

  • Posted by ryantravers May 05, 2020 at 16:16

    The evidence that face masks stop the spread of viral particles is limited at best. In laboratory conditions surgical masks worn perfectly (unlikely to be true for real life conditions) the number of viral particles that were transmitted through the pores in the mask were reduced by 50%. With an average cough producing 10,000 viral particles a reduction by 50% (unlikely due to aforementioned) the number transmitted through will be 5000- still multiples more than the required number to trigger an infection.

  • Posted by micaela87 May 05, 2020 at 16:19

    I agree with this, wearing face masks/coverings in certain places such as public transport needs to be made mandatory to be effective.

  • Posted by SuzanneJames May 05, 2020 at 16:32

    I agree face masks should be made compulsory as there is certain members of the public who are currently not sticking to 2 m distance in the shops and are coughing in the air not covering there mouths.

  • Posted by Margaret May 05, 2020 at 16:34

    if everybody wore a face covering, this would limit the possibility of spread somewhat. I would be happy to wear a mask. people seem to forget that wearing a mask is to stop you spreading any possible infection to someone else as much as it is to stop yourself from infection.

  • Posted by bank65 May 05, 2020 at 16:41

    Agree with the use of well fitting face coverings for application over mouth and nose. Mainly for use in places where physical distancing is compromised.

  • Posted by Shopaholic99 May 05, 2020 at 16:59

    More studies are needed to prove how effective cloth covering are. Very little evidence is available. People would needed to be educated and take responsibility for using them correctly, changing them regularly, disposing off them or washing them. A damp mask actually attracts bacteria and you could make yourself it. It needs to not be used a tool of reassurance and more clear evidence based testing needs carried out. Some people at the moment can’t even follow social distancing guidance. How can they be trusted to use a face covering/mask properly?

  • Posted by Welshy123 May 05, 2020 at 16:59

    Face masks should be mandatory not optional. There are still groups of people out and about who are not social distancing, and not from the same household.

  • Posted by Barry7076 May 05, 2020 at 17:10

    I agree I wear a cloth face mask when In shops - I think we have too . You can’t social distance in a shop or supermarket very well and this has to be mandatory . People where I live are forgetting to social distance in stores especially the elderly and I feel this should be mandatory as it is in other counties for now

  • Posted by codenamev May 05, 2020 at 17:36

    Face masks, the science says do not work and in the specific area of face COVERINGS they in fact help to SPREAD THE VIRUS EVEN MORE !! Terrible idea ! Asthma sufferers are also not recommended to wear a mask !

  • Posted by anniemay May 05, 2020 at 17:53

    I would like face coverings to be mandatory for all delivery staff. My father has vascular dementia and cannot retain the advice to socially distance. He would also forget to wear a face covering to protect himself. Delivery staff should be equipped with sufficient face coverings, hand sanitiser, etc to ensure that they can remain safe as they undertake a key role for the older generation and the vulnerable.

  • Posted by jenny333 May 05, 2020 at 18:15

    That is a problem. I read piece of research that said cloth masks could get wet and might attract
    viruses. I think the government will hand out blue masks at various places.

  • Posted by BStrozzi May 06, 2020 at 14:01

    Agree that we need guidance as to what is a suitable face mask. We cannot trust the internet for this.
    Tried to see if Boots the Chemist was selling masks but all I got was mud to put on my face!!!

  • Posted by SAM May 06, 2020 at 17:29

    A small but simple measure which could have a massive effect. However it only works if everyone takes this measure.

    Small steps can sometimes have big results.

  • Posted by JMack May 06, 2020 at 21:16

    I know that the benefits of face coverings/masks are disputed, but they are increasingly being used by countries coming out of lockdown in Europe, and their use is already prevalent in Asia. I believe that, to be effective in mitigating the spread of droplets from sneezes, coughs and breaths, their use in a population needs to be more or less universal. So, I would urge that the current recommendation to consider wearing a face covering in potentially crowded or busy situations like shops and public transport should be toughened up to mandatory status, with the customary range of enforcement provisions.
    Why the contribution is important
    I think that the wearing of face coverings/masks in appropriate situations is important because:

    1. It is beneficial in preventing the spread of the virus.
    2. It will publicly and visibly reinforce community commitment to a disciplined approach to emerging from the crisis.
    3. It will be acknowledged by the our neighbours in Europe and the wider World as a reassurance that we are taking the threats of a "second wave" seriously and responsibly.

  • Posted by Debrastorr May 06, 2020 at 23:38

    Indoors in public spaces - but still need physical distancing too.

  • Posted by Tikkihan May 08, 2020 at 11:37

    An interesting link (to US masks4all site) - the argument for why we should be wearing face coverings to help suppress Covid-19 - https://masks4all.co/

    The UK site has a very useful page for those of us who are able to make our own face covering as well as the safe use of the face covering - https://www.masks4all.org.uk/make-a-mask.

    Alternative is to obtain a professionally stitched mask from crafts people on Etsy.com. I have sourced cloth masks from this site and the workmanship and design are excellent. Most designs have a filter pocket incorporated in which you can insert a PM2.5 filter which gives a bit more security for the wearer and has the added benefit (I have found) of preventing the outside of the mask becoming damp. Have only worn for supermarket trips and would wear if had to use public transport but not advocating this type of mask for all day use.

    In respect of the safe use of a facecovering there is very straightforward advice given by Masks4allUK - https://www.masks4all.org.uk/wash-a-mask
    It is just another procedure to become familiar with.

  • Posted by Eng48 May 08, 2020 at 15:38

    If this is to help lift part of the so called lock down, then I'm in a agreement that EVERYONE should wear a face covering when out in public places - regardless and in particular Cyclists and Joggers who are exhaling at a far greater rate than most of the public. It's hard, its uncomfortable etc but it will provide some degree of mitigation if EVERYONE complies. Fines should be levied for non compliance.

    I understand that for some it is difficult due to other illnesses / disabilities and maybe some dispensation could be given if there was no other means of suppressing exhalation and maybe this could be by way of letter or card or something from GP or other Health Professional

  • Posted by Caledonian May 08, 2020 at 19:38

    I would suggest that to get informed scientific opinion about face masks people should head over to The World Health Organisation web site who.int. There is lots of information to be had for the general public including what sort of masks to wear, in what circumstances, how to put them on, how and when to dispose of them etc etc well worth a visit and information is based on scientific research and experience

  • Posted by Figo7ed May 09, 2020 at 21:25

    The current optional guidance is a complete waste of time. Whilst I am wearing a cloth mask 95% of people are not....rendering my efforts pointless as the only person not protected in my presence is me.
    Make a decision and make it work. Speak to our supermarkets and see if they can procure at a reasonable price to be sold to the public when the compulsory announcement is made.....and stop hiding behind ‘ the science’ about no definitive proof that face masks work.... be honest. The real reason we haven’t been directed to wear them is because of a concern people would further drain the nhs ppe resource. This is a legitimate concern but just be honest about it.

  • Posted by Zaffarella May 11, 2020 at 15:25

    Not supported by WHO (healthcare setting only). First Minister's advice was heavily caveated - quite correctly.

  • Posted by Scotland_is_flatlining May 11, 2020 at 17:08

    .... and adopt World Health Organisation 1m social distancing guidelines.

  • Posted by rptcal May 11, 2020 at 18:59

    Yes. Even a rudimentary cloth covering can help prevent spread, along with social distancing and hand wash stations.
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