Do you wear a mask in public?

[Admiral Yi]

Is there ever a good one?

Immunity might work.

[DGuller]

Did you overhear his rationale?

He said he was tested twice.  Not sure what the context was.  In theory, if he was sick with it at some point, and then tested negative twice after recovering, then as an individual matter it may be okay to not wear a mask.  From a policy perspective, though, witnessing non-compliance encourages further non-compliance, as people who see someone in the store without a mask may not necessarily be up to date on that person's health history.

[Tonitrus]

The attitude is probably different up here in middle-England than you folks down south.

Went to Tesco's tonight (I usually go to Morrison's, where mask wear is about 10-15%)....no masks seen either among staff or customers.

[Tamas]

Is there ever a good one?

Immunity might work.

Would be quite an extraordinary find, first scientifically confirmed case of immunity.

[Sheilbh]

Is there ever a good one?

Immunity might work.

Would be quite an extraordinary find, first scientifically confirmed case of immunity.

We should harvest him! Like a horseshoe crab.

[merithyn]

Is there ever a good one?

Immunity might work.

As I understand it, there is no scientific proof that a previous case of COVID means immunity going forward. Yet.

[mongers]

That's been my experience. It reminds people to back up, or that I am a potential risk to them. At least the ones who understand that my wearing a mask is supposed to be to protect them. (There are, unfortunately, precious few who seem to grasp that concept, though.  )

This is a good rationale, I shall try it out over the weekend with my newly acquired mask.  See what effect it has, as currently most people especially the young here have now entirely given up on social distancing.

[viper37]

No, it's not required anywhere and the government has said it's not needed and that it probably won't help.

lolwut?

Same here. There's a weird UK and Nordics thing where we're still getting messages like that - and from the scientific bits of government - that they are really not much use. I don't get it and think they need to be coming out far more strongly for masks like the rest of the world.

Here they're only required if you're on public transport - but it's not always enforced.

I wear a mask if I'm in an enclosed place where I can't socially distance - shops, public transport, cafes etc. I don't wear anything if I'm just walking on the streets.

In my opinion, it should be suggested, but not made mandatory when social distancing is possible.  Mandatory in public transit, migth be a good idea, even if they might no be crowded currently.

But I don't see the use of a mask in a cafe/bar/restaurants.  You'll keep touching your mask, and there's no way everyone will put their mask in a plastic bag, wash their hands, eat/drink, put the mask back on wash their hands, repeat 'til you leave.

[viper37]

I guess no Swede is ever in a building with anyone else?

As I said, I don't know the particulars. I just trust the guys spending their lives stopping diseases rather than politicians trying to not look bad or journalists trying to create controversy.

But it's the scientist's fault for not mandating a mask in February

(Note: that was the latest Trump's deflection, it's Fauci's fault for not saying to wear a mask early on that there's a spread of infections...)

[viper37]

Surely whatever risk of infection there is from encountering a stranger at X centimeters of distance, the risk is less if the stranger is wearing a mask?

I hate wearing a mask.  I wish it does not become mandatory as I truly doubt on the real, tangible benefits of the home made cotton mask in reducing the spread of the infection.  If I go to any retail store, including the grocery and the pharmacy, they have a plexigas sheet in front of the counter.  If the sheet does not stop the particles, how would a 1 or 2 layers cotton mask would?

I wash my hands on entering, on exiting, I avoid constantly touching everything, I keep my distance and keep my mouth shut (literrally) when walking close to someone.  I cough and sneeze on my elbow when outside.  I can't see how the mask will reduce the risks of me spreading an infection.

However, if the scientists and the government says to wear one, I will adapt.  I'll order more on-line stuff, have my meds delivered home and only go once or twice a week.

And seeing how the entire world economy let alone countless lives depend on containing this crap, then even a statistically small benefit still worth the trouble?

Yes, but only if it's bothering everyone else

[viper37]

Did you overhear his rationale?

Is there ever a good one?

there could be.

[11B4V]

People that don't when required, should get a throat punch.

[viper37]

People that don't when required, should get a throat punch.

that's just as stupid as the other side.

[KRonn]

I wear the mask where required or if I feel it's needed. Mostly inside and around people in more crowded places. Governor's executive order and most stores require it.

[Admiral Yi]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB4kSEcN0UQ

Dude just doesn't want to wear a mask.