2 metre distance...

A cough and a sneeze can travel 25/26 feet.

So do what you can to minimise risk, ok a mask won't 100% protect you, but better than nothing?

I wear one every time I go shopping (once a week)..on my walks I rarely pass anyone because of where we live...

I think you should do what you feel comfortable with. If in the workplace you cannot run a business 2 metres apart for long, but pensioners can do what they please.

The point of the mask, as far as my research tells me, anyway, is that if you have covid symptoms and wear a mask, if you cough or sneeze (or breathe heavily) the droplets don't spread as far. The idea is that everyone should behave as if they are infectious. The mask protects others, not yourself..

There was a German video doing the rounds on twitter yesterday with illustrations of distancing if you are behind someone and you are both moving. Stay back 4 metres for walking, 10 metres for running and 20 metres for cycling.

I suspect that it's a good idea to try to never stay behind anyone who is moving for long if you can possibly avoid it

Video here:
twitter.com/globaljukeboxer/status/1259391695772319744

Same in France MaizieD ........ a 10 metre space between those jogging and cycling.

...but when I go to the supermarket..probably about a third of people are wearing masks..some aren't even distancing.....so..
I'm wearing a mask...someone quite near me coughs/sneezes..I'm only two metres away.....it may 'land' on me somewhere...how at risk then am I?...I am careful, wash my groceries, hands when I arrive home...but WHERE did it land...just a question..I'm not looking for an argument..

I am sensing panic can we not calm down?

Stay back if you can. Don’t go to crowded places if humanly possible, wash your hands carefully, leave outdoor clothing in a porch if you can - but for heaven’s sake - stop panicking - or if you can’t, lock yourself down.
This is not Ebola.

Statistically we are more at risk driving to the supermarket than catching the virus when we get there.

We need to keep reminding ourselves that for the vast majority of people the virus is mild. Over 90% recover as they would from flu.

I keep supermarket shopping to a minimum. Averaging fortnightly if I can’t secure a click and collect slot.

This morning it wasn’t too busy. But I felt since last shopping 2 weeks ago many shoppers had thrown caution to the wind.

I got a few basics and headed for the checkout as quickly as I could. There was only one woman behind me and I was relieved to see she kept the 2m distance. She also had a mask on.

I then heard a 5 sec burst of harsh coughing which made the customers at the next checkout all look round.

I knew it was the woman behind me. As I was emptying my trolley I glanced at her and was horrified to see she’d pulled the mask down onto her chin to have a good cough!

I'm told that in Italy France and Germany they distribute masks at the supermarket's entrance also gloves. You wear them or no shopping. Then if people take them off once inside they are/should be reported to security. This is what I've read on fb and I guess it's generally taken seriously.

Think that must be the case in the red areas of France BlueSky certainly not here in our fortunately green area,

Thanks Sodapop I guess they are getting a bit more relaxed now that most countries are having their 'deconfinement'! Not sure whether it would work in the U.K. especially as we are already easing off restrictions.

It's a bit haphazard in our local Lidl. The rules depend on who is manning the door.

In (Central) Italy, where I live, we are obliged to wear our own mask and gloves before entering. Extra gloves are supplied put over your own when selecting fruit and veg.

The problem is obtaining the masks, and disposable gloves are now hard to find.

Remember those long measuring poles?
I see we can buy very upmarket versions of them now.

I think we should all get one and if anyone comes too close, give them a swift jab with it.

That should sort them out.

If I wear a face covering it is mainly to protect other people from me. We Should all take responsibility for protecting each other. Sadly there will always be a minority who do not care.

I believe the government is moving towards making face coverings mandatory in confined spaces and where 2 metre distancing is not possible. They would have done this earlier but have been afraid of causing panic buying of face masks which would deprive the NHS and care workers.

I will feel much more comfortable when face coverings are mandatory in high risk situations.

I've thought all along 2 metres was nowhere near far enough. I had a student in one of my classes before school broke up who would cough loudly and vigorously without covering his mouth. It was clear from that that his aerosol would go a long way.

I watched a really good video about the spread, showing breathing, talking, sneezing, coughing aerosol. It also showed the effect of an open window (reduces the risk quite a lot). I've just looked for it to put on here but can't find it.

I don't even like walking near someone outside. If I have to go out, I cross the road if I see someone coming.

Callistemon You have reminded me - I have a pair of those long Nordic walking poles. When I go to the supermarket (or if I go - I am successfully staying away from shops so far) I shall take those with me and use them as spacers if anyone crowds me! I could trip up any joggers who get too close, as well.

The "vast majority who recover" and have only a mild illness are usually those who are young and without other health problems. We are on Gransnet" - the clue is in the name! We can afford to be more concerned about our safety - especially when there are still far too many trying to ignore what is happening. Always think about others and behave as if you are infectious, would be a better slogan for the Government to adopt.

As for there being more risk in driving to the supermarket....if you have an accident whilst doing so, this doesn't normally start an epidemic which can kill hundreds of thousands of people.

YAYY! Elegran Way to go! I raise my walking stick and salute the Rise of the Subversive Grans

How would a symptomless person pass on the virus if they don't cough/sneeze? Can't be just by breathing? That's where the masks would make sense, essential in closed spaces.

Good idea, they'd do the job Elegran, we have those Nordic walking poles. I could attach them to my wrists and keep swinging them in an arc.
I'd probably knock the wine off the shelves in the supermarket and get banned.

I think we should all wear crinolines.
That will ensure nobody anywhere can get near each other.
Distance sorted!