The face mask nonsense

[NIK]

What is the point of 'wearing' a mask and not using it properly?
The other day I walked past three people in succession - an elderly couple, both with the masks around their necks, and then a scruffy looking individual with long receding greasy hair, who had the mask perched on the top of that long receding greasy hair - very hygienic!
Probably at least one in three people aren't wearing the mask to cover their mouth and nose, and even many who do repeatedly remove them.

I think I am more likely to start punting again than wear a bloody silly, and what appears to be pointless, mask.
Add this to the rent a mob scenes and the jostling crowds of shopping maniacs and I have long concluded that this whole covid 19 business is becoming increasingly nonsensical.

 

[kippydon]

What is the point of 'wearing' a mask and not using it properly?
The other day I walked past three people in succession - an elderly couple, both with the masks around their necks, and then a scruffy looking individual with long receding greasy hair, who had the mask perched on the top of that long receding greasy hair - very hygienic!
Probably at least one in three people aren't wearing the mask to cover their mouth and nose, and even many who do repeatedly remove them.

I think I am more likely to start punting again than wear a bloody silly, and what appears to be pointless, mask.
Add this to the rent a mob scenes and the jostling crowds of shopping maniacs and I have long concluded that this whole covid 19 business is becoming increasingly nonsensical.

 I have seen people wearing face masks and face coverings , that just cover their mouth and not there nose,

[David1970]

Nik it’s like anything if you don’t use it properly it’s pointless, the problem is not the face masks but the idiots who don’t  wear them properly, it may be some kind of Darwinism.

[Doc Holliday]

The problem with face masks is the UK government.


... oh and the French government too.

[King Nuts]

Wearing a mask has some benefits, but very few.

It might stop the wearer from transmitting some nasties, but it won't stop incoming viruses, any more than a barbed wire fence keeps out locusts.

[threechilliman]

I think a few chavvy types wear them for effect.

[Strawberry]

Wearing a mask has some benefits, but very few.

It might stop the wearer from transmitting some nasties, but it won't stop incoming viruses, any more than a barbed wire fence keeps out locusts.

I was under the impression a well fitted FFP2 or 3, NN95 can provide some protection.

I have 'face covering' style masks for 'requirements' purposes, and 2 of the afore mentioned numbery/lettery ones for potential very close unavoidable medical appointments which may arise. Not sure which one to wear for hair appointment in July. It's always a very quick hair cut will only be at less than 2m for 15 minutes or so.

Assuming proposed opening does happen.

[David1970]

Wearing a mask has some benefits, but very few.

It might stop the wearer from transmitting some nasties, but it won't stop incoming viruses, any more than a barbed wire fence keeps out locusts.

If everyone wore them outside it would reduce the spread of the virus, which I think is a good thing.

[NIK]

I think a few chavvy types wear them for effect.

You are spot on there! 

[Doc Holliday]

I think a few chavvy types wear them for effect.

So you've met my GP then? 

[King Nuts]

I have long concluded that this whole covid 19 business is becoming increasingly nonsensical.

The nonsensical part is the idea that one set of regulations can apply to everybody, all the time, in all circumstances. Nonetheless, a mask will stop the wearer's snot getting on to you, should he or she sneeze in your vicinity.

Japan's an interesting example. People there have long worn masks when they have a cold. Common decency, and it's a common sight in winter. Covid deaths have been nothing compared to ours, and yet the population is much greater than ours, and more relevantly, their population density is bigger. AND they have loads of old people.

I think there's two main reasons. Firstly, the Japs are a lot more focussed on hygiene, and there's little or no casual personal interaction, like public kissing and hand shaking. Second, they take snot seriously. You leave the room to sneeze, and to blow your nose. You use a paper tissue and then dispose of it, the way you would some used loo roll. In the lav. And then you wash your hands.

[winkywanky]

The problem with face masks is the UK government.


... oh and the French government too.

Avatar alert!   

[Matrix]

The best part is the masks most folk are wearing are literally good for 5 minutes.

[Doc Holliday]

I have been trying to avoid responding in this thread as it would be pages long 

Instead I managed to find a video I had watched some time ago which reflects my standpoint 'to a tee' on the subject .. although it is equally long. He presents it very well though.

This guy set up the channel to report on his visit to China, but which was then overtaken by Covid.

He is simply using his own research and intelligence to decide for himself. The key word is intelligence.

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Bear in mind this was back in early March when the virus had not yet hit the West, yet the western governments were already devaluing masks, not based on any science (which is sparse and very conflicting) but a fear of the effect on the impending worldwide shortage of PPE.

As the infection rates have dropped and PPE shortages have eased a little, suddenly we are told they may be of some use after all?

France initially was also in the "they are useless" camp but now they are compulsory in many situations.

Remarkably they have only just become compulsory for all staff and visitors in UK Hospitals. A recent study (not yet peer reviewed) claimed up to 20% of people who have contracted coronavirus did so in hospitals. Nine out of ten healthcare staff caught it at work. I won't mention care homes.

Yet something so relatively cheap (originally at least) which could have provided some benefit (to whatever degree) was devalued by dodgy science to cover the lack of supply.

[spiralnotebook]

Unless any face mask can filter under 1 micron its about as much use as a colander. Not of course to mention any exposed skin or body coverings that also filter less than 1 micron. In short an impermeable suit with self contained air supply system and even shorter an NBC suit or total isolation.

[winkywanky]

Unless any face mask can filter under 1 micron its about as much use as a colander. Not of course to mention any exposed skin or body coverings that also filter less than 1 micron. In short an impermeable suit with self contained air supply system and even shorter an NBC suit or total isolation.

That's clearly completely wrong.

Like distancing, it's a game of numbers. Even if masks aren't perfect, if you have the virus then wearing a mask will reduce the amount of droplets and spray leaving your mouth and nose, onto your surroundings and people around you.

If you wear a mask and don't have the virus, the protection you receive might not be great but it'll be better than nothing.

There's obviously issues around taking off your mask which will potentially have contaminants on the inside or the outside, but so long as you dispose of it carefully and wash your hands after removing, then there is definitely some overall beneficial effect from wearing one.

[Doc Holliday]

Unless any face mask can filter under 1 micron its about as much use as a colander. Not of course to mention any exposed skin or body coverings that also filter less than 1 micron. In short an impermeable suit with self contained air supply system and even shorter an NBC suit or total isolation.

Glad you watched the video then 

The actual virus is very small particle, but it doesn't float about by itself, but is contained in droplets which even in aerosol form are much larger and a significant proportion will be blocked by a mask. N95 masks to a greater extent.

Not sure what the skin point is the skin is impervious to the virus?

[Matrix]

Glad you watched the video then 

The actual virus is very small particle, but it doesn't float about by itself, but is contained in droplets which even in aerosol form are much larger and a significant proportion will be blocked by a mask. N95 masks to a greater extent.

Not sure what the skin point is the skin is impervious to the virus?

Digging the updated avatar, by the way! 

A few of us may develop tan lines up there.

[winkywanky]

Not of course to mention any exposed skin or body coverings that also filter less than 1 micron.

You're not confusing the virus being picked up off surfaces, with the virus actually passing through human skin, are you? I'd be frankly amazed if you thought that.

[Strawberry]

You're not confusing the virus being picked up off surfaces, with the virus actually passing through human skin, are you? I'd be frankly amazed if you thought that.

Some people do.

[spiralnotebook]

Yep.

[winkywanky]

Yep.

Yep what? 

You think it's possible to contract Covid through the skin, or you think others think that?

[Digby232]

Interestingly the only people at my doctors surgery not wearing masks during the lockdown were the doctors. Receptionists looked like going into germ warfare.

[sparkus]

Regardless of other people being idiots, if YOU yourself wear one then you're reducing your own personal risk of being infected plus you're also doing the decent thing in not exposing others to your own potential germs.

[winkywanky]

Regardless of other people being idiots, if YOU yourself wear one then you're reducing your own personal risk of being infected plus you're also doing the decent thing in not exposing others to your own potential germs.

Exactly this.

[myothernameis]

What is the point of 'wearing' a mask and not using it properly

So on public transport, its now mandatory to wear a face mask, and have seen suggestions that police will being enforcing this.  Now for a 30 min journey into town, I wear a mask, and have encountered 5 other person on the bus, but.

The minute I walk into my work place, through out the day, 1000 of customers enter the store, most of then not wearing any type of mask.  Both governments are now easy the  restrictions, and allowing more shops to open, more shops open means, a lot more contact with others

We might not see any real new infections over the next 3 months, but as we get into the autumn and winter, I think we will begin to see a slow increase in infections.  Now shops are moaning about being closed, and not being able to trade, they might now be able to open, but for how long

[Jacques Barstarred]

I think a few chavvy types wear them for effect.

Or because dey iz jus fuk ugli, innit?

[sparkus]

Or because dey iz jus fuk ugli, innit?

I have to admit there's some women I know who ordinarily I wouldn't touch but in masks do appear better as their eyes are actually nice.

[Jacques Barstarred]

I wish there was a virus for stupid people.

I today saw a woman in a big BMW X5, with all the windows rolled up, on her own with a face mask on.

Stupid people everywhere.

[daviemac]

I wish there was a virus for stupid people.

I today saw a woman in a big BMW X5, with all the windows rolled up, on her own with a face mask on.

Stupid people everywhere.

How long was she going to be in the car before being somewhere where she needed it.   

[Adoniron]

Regardless of other people being idiots, if YOU yourself wear one then you're reducing your own personal risk of being infected plus you're also doing the decent thing in not exposing others to your own potential germs.

If you want to wear a mask that's fine.

It's also fine not to.

But it's not fine not to wear one and then to criticise those who do.

[covertlook]

Face masks are more political than medical. They have spent weeks persuading people it is too dangerous to even step outside. Now they have to reverse the process, Masks have been introduced to persuade the paranoid that the outdoors is now safe.

[Doc Holliday]

Face masks are more political than medical.

Tell that to the surgeon performing your operation and that he can take it off if he wishes.

[Beamer]

Face masks are more political than medical. They have spent weeks persuading people it is too dangerous to even step outside. Now they have to reverse the process, Masks have been introduced to persuade the paranoid that the outdoors is now safe.

This is a silly comment

[Doc Holliday]

If you want to wear a mask that's fine.

It's also fine not to.

But it's not fine not to wear one and then to criticise those who do.

I take your point about civil liberties, but unfortunately for masks to be anywhere near maximum benefit (in the correct environment) compliance needs to be 90% +

[kippydon]

I think if face masks or face coverings , will help in the spread of govid 19, then it should be a good  thing and people may just have to get used to wearing them, until things start to get better

[Strawberry]

I think if face masks or face coverings , will help in the spread of govid 19, then it should be a good  thing and people may just have to get used to wearing them, until things start to get better

Your words are an excellent amusing slip, I hope!

Regards masks in cars my concern is those who have them around their neck, will then touch their face in raising them to their mouth and nose then touch whatever they are going to do. I popped mine on in the car to practice wearing it, just to get used to it being on. Don't really need one up in the sticks, not using public transport, the few shops I go into are empty or hardly anyone in there, doors open and I'm standing as far back as I can.

[spiralnotebook]

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