Make face covering compulsary on Public transport and in enclosed public spaces

Make compulsory the wearing of face coverings, masks, scarves on all public transport and in enclosed public spaces like shops where social distancing is more difficult.

Why the contribution is important

As the First Minister has stated, wearing a face covering will not stop you being infected but it will work the other way and reduce the chances of you infecting some one else. Therefor if everyone does it when in close proximity to each other it should increase the confidence for people starting to reuse public transport and visiting shops. additionally it might also remove on e of the deterrents for people visiting doctors and hospitals. This is more to do with returning confidence to our society than a medical requirement

by glennmiller1314 on May 05, 2020 at 01:29PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 3.5
Based on: 52 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Clayton41 May 05, 2020 at 13:33

    NO

  • Posted by Switchqueen May 05, 2020 at 13:37

    The masks are useful to help prevent others but making them compulsory could lead to issues for people who can’t wear one, loses theirs, whatever. Wouldn’t want people to be criminalised for a mistake or a CB medical condition, etc.

  • Posted by Johnmdfi May 05, 2020 at 13:38

    Where do you get masks and with a limited supply these should go to hospital staff, care home workers and other key workers.

  • Posted by ElsieC64 May 05, 2020 at 13:38

    Until the science irrefutably confirms that the wearing of masks will be beneficial to stop the spread of the virus, I see no reason to make this mandatory
    People can choose for themselves

  • Posted by hma May 05, 2020 at 13:39

    Better safe than sorry.

  • Posted by SrRonaldo May 05, 2020 at 13:49

    Yes , it could be beneficial ... but the correct masks are not available to the public.

  • Posted by Jane May 05, 2020 at 13:58

    Face coverings rather than masks - anything that reduces spread should be encouraged but not criminalised. Again hygiene as described In the guidance issued will be essential.
    Share the findings of the evidence / studies elsewhere in the world .

  • Posted by alloha May 05, 2020 at 14:17

    Very bad idea - should not be policed. The WHO an scientists are not advising to do this.

  • Posted by Ann May 05, 2020 at 14:52

    Possibly for public transport where there is prolonged contact in confined space but no need in supermarkets etc as little scientific evidence to support this . If people feel better wearing one that’s fine

  • Posted by DMacDonald May 05, 2020 at 15:37

    As previously stated, the WHO does not recommend this and also risks people panic-buying masks which our NHS desperately need to keep doing their wonderful work. In addition, if you have a condition like asthma, you are discouraged from a face covering so I would hate to see a situation where people give you a hard time on public transport for not wearing one due to a medical condition.

  • Posted by steves01x May 05, 2020 at 20:43

    Should be personal preference but when does it start to become a security concern with a large part of the face potentially covered?

    Also, there is such a range in mask... from a scarf to something suitable for asbestos.

  • Posted by Rogerhyam May 06, 2020 at 11:32

    Yes if:
    1) Face covers not masks
    2) Very very clear messaging about when to wear and the exceptions (e.g. asthma etc)
    3) Very, very clear messaging this is for others NOT yourself.
    3) As alternative to impractical, strict 2m on public transport. Once you are on a bus with someone it doesn't make much difference if they are 1 or 2 metres away if they cover their face. Whereas someone openly sneezing at the back of the bus will infect everyone no matter how sparsely sat.

  • Posted by Suleskerry May 06, 2020 at 15:29

    I don't think mandating the wearing of masks is feasible. However I think they are a good idea so possibly a campaign to encourage their use, utilising social guilting might be the way to go.
    "Not every hero wears a cape, some wear a mask. Do your bit and cover it". Cheesy I know but this type of thing does work.just look at stay home save lives.

  • Posted by chrish May 06, 2020 at 15:43

    Like many of you, I'm not convinced that face coverings are a good idea. However, if stronger evidence emerges and/or the government wants us to wear them, the government could issue face coverings as other countries have done. Or they could arrange for standard coverings to be sold in shops, vending machines. Some of the makeshift coverings I've seen aren't effective. (Though some look amazing - there are lots of creative people out there!!)

  • Posted by grussell May 06, 2020 at 15:52

    There seem to be a limited set of circumstances where face coverings might be helpful, provided of course that the users take appropriate precautions when taking them on and off and disinfect them at least daily. However, I am unclear how CV-19 is spread in the absence of sneezing or coughing. I find it difficult to believe that you simply breathe the minute particles out. A more likely route for transmission from asymptomatic people is from touching the nose or mouth and then touching surfaces touched by others. That might suggest guidance about the appropriate wearing of gloves (and how to take them on and off safely). I take great care when going out to avoid touching anything that might be contaminated. However, that is not an option for people who have to use public transport or go into shops, particularly those without automatic doors.

  • Posted by Balderdash May 06, 2020 at 19:01

    I am against any mandatory introduction of face coverings given the weak evidence of effectiveness and the need to use correctly. They cause difficulties for glasses wearers, especially children and often result in people touching their faces / masks more as they adjust them constantly or ignore other more effective measures. If people want to use masks / coverings fine but there should be no compulsion.

  • Posted by Brendiemurphy May 06, 2020 at 19:30

    This is essential to boost confidence. I’d make face masks compulsory in supermarkets and shopping centres too.

  • Posted by Babybunny1978 May 06, 2020 at 21:34

    I would like to see everyone wearing face masks at all times, (other than at home of course).
    It is wise to not start stigmatising those who do not wear masks for not wearing one; and among the young I can envisage this happening. Therefore, unless it is medically impossible for the someone to wear a mask, everyone should no matter where they are.

    I believe that those crafty Scots who sew all over the country are making a great job of sorting themselves out at this time, and some may not really know where to start; perhaps the Scottish government could issue free online sewing patterns for the type of masks that they recommend, and even come up with some ideas for easy access to the fabric, threads and filters etc required to make a machine washable economical mask. Then most, if not all, Scots can make, or perhaps have a seamstress in their friends and family circle, could get some made i.e. wash one, wear one and one to spare. Some people could even make them to sell too. Just a thought 💭

  • Posted by Debrastorr May 07, 2020 at 00:06

    I’ve been making and distributing masks. I think they will become used by the majority of people in inside spaces soon.

  • Posted by KayDee3740 May 07, 2020 at 09:29

    The problem with masks (the same with gloves) is that folk then think they are invincible!

    There’s definitely been an increase in folk wearing masks or covering their face with a scarf. All of that is useless when you keep touching it. Wearing a mask on your chin just makes you look like an idiot and having you nose hanging out of it is of no benefit! Rearranging and touching it constantly defeats the purpose of wearing it in the first place!! Removing it and scrunching it up in your hand just transfers what’s on the glove to your hand!

    And for the folk who are discarding their disposable masks and gloves in the supermarket car park......there are no words!

  • Posted by Tikkihan May 08, 2020 at 09:45

    I believe that face coverings should be worn on buses and in supermarkets. For the public, face coverings are very easy to obtain - there are many crafts people producing them for very little cost for example - Etsy.com. These face coverings are re-usable so only involve a small initial cost. They are well designed so that adjustment once on should not be a big issue. From my experience of wearing one they also have the benefit of discouraging you from touching your face.

    For information on the safe and correct use of face coverings and "how to make your own mask" the best site to check out is https://www.masks4all.org.uk/

  • Posted by WhyDoINeedAUserNameAgain May 08, 2020 at 15:57

    I find it reasonable to 'ask' people to wear masks in places which are likely to be crowded such as a supermarket.

    But it's unreasonable to expect people to wear them just for going outside.

    I also believe it should now and in the future for someone with cold of flu symptoms to be expected to wear a mask when they leave the house.

  • Posted by WBRnotes May 08, 2020 at 21:54

    Some countries have provided every household with a good supply of surgical masks. I know the UK has had huge problems providing adequate PPE for the NHS and caring organisations though.

    I think wearing face masks in confined spaces - shops, public transport, hairdressers etc - unless there is a good medical reason why not - is a good idea . And I wear glasses and hate the way they steam up when I wear one!
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