Also Today.Why should I keep wearing a mask? With Professor Tim Spector, Zoe App.

[2greys]

Also Today.

Why should I keep wearing a mask? Professor Tim Spector, Zoe App.

youtube.com/watch?v=Ne_nmOJ...(Not working as expected?)

[HungryHufflepuff]

Interesting what he said about Japan , where wearing a mask every year in cold and flu season is just a routine thing and doesn’t seem to restrict anyone’s freedoms. Now that we’re used to the idea of wearing a mask, I don’t know why some people here see it as a restriction of their freedom. I’m not talking about those who are exempt from wearing a mask. But those who see it as curbing their freedoms 🤷‍♀️

[Dizzart in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Absolutely 👍🏻👍🏻

[MELNEL]

I believe there will be some mixed responses. And guess that some will be still wearing them, and some will stop wearing them. It's a choice, n you have right regarding the choice in Japan or China, they do wear masks when feeling ill not to spread any virus. What I find fantastic.

I am honest that I do struggle to wear a mask, a lot. And use my exempt card I got from the NHS if I have to. But I still put my face shield on. And I wouldn't go out when having a cold or infection of course.

I hope that people still be careful when going out. We are still not out of the blue I believe. Blessings to all. Good night. And take care. 🌺🌺🌺🌺

[Jandm]

I don’t understand the whole debate on masks (exemptions applied) we wear things all day everyday to protect us and we don’t quibble. Shoes are seen as a necessity to protect our feet, clothes for warms albeit modesty as well, everything we wear serves a purpose but what better purpose is there than keeping yourself and others safe by wearing one more thing in public where infections are known to spread! Think of the man hours lost in businesses every year just with the seasonal viruses, now we have another one with a harder hitting impact. I hope the majority of people see the sense in continuing to wear them and also continue with good hygiene standards

[2greys]

I think that the fashion industry needs to step up to help over this. Fashionable designs sell themselves, especially towards those that are more likely to stop wearing facemasks ie the young and more impressionable and probably unvaccinated. There are already facemasks with designs but if big fashion houses came out with designs, then they may have a chance of taking off. The demand for a 'Gucci' branded facemask would probably outstrip availability.

Why is it that 'the powers that be 'cannot think about the problem and come up with solutions. The desire to wear one, would have a far greater effect than bashing away with the same 'now old and stuffy' messages or coercion that have lost their impact. The government has highly paid Behavioural Psychologists on it's Sage advisory panel, time for them to do some productive thinking, or is that just too simple.

[Superzob in reply to 2greys]

I raised the issue of mask wearing on this site last year, as I was concerned about the emphasis on face coverings. The latter (which potentially includes surgical masks) are designed to protect others from the wearer, not the wearer him/herself. This is important because, realistically (and whatever we might think individually of the decision) come 19 July, a lot of people will abandon masks in circumstances where close contact is unavoidable. They might not be concerned for their own health but, if infected, then could pass it on to someone else. If that other person is relying on a face covering, then that might not give sufficient protection to prevent infection.

The original emphasis on face coverings was brought in because of the lack of FFP2/N95 masks in health & social care (and explains why so many health workers contracted COVID even with surgical masks (about 50% effective)), but that situation has changed dramatically (I had a lung function test on Tuesday by a technician with an even more efficient FFP3 mask!). So if we want to continue to protect ourselves, without having to shield, then I would recommend using FFP2/N95 masks, which are readily available online and in store - and perhaps the fashion industry could rise to that challenge!

[Mavary in reply to 2greys]

That’s good thinking. The young will nearly always follow a trend. Fashion certainly should lead the way. I’m sure there’s a trend to be set. It’s getting them to realise this that’s the problem.

[Dizzart in reply to 2greys]

And on the vanity side , although I miss lipstick to cheer up an old face I must say a mask does wonders for covering jowls and chins 👍🏻👍🏻

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

I agree, the fashion industry could help a great deal in the wearing of masks. In fact some already are and all credit to them. I will continue to wear mine. Hope you all have a good day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx

[Kristicats]

I bet many on here have had better health and less infection/ exacerbations since we’ve had to wear masks❓I know I’ve never gone so long without a chest infection.