So - now masks protect the wearer?

Biscuitmuncher

I don't even know anyone who's been ill with it! Yet I've had two people sectioned because of the new restrictions

Are you a doctor ? You say you have “had” two people sectioned

Elegran

More infections seem to occur indoors than out, Baggs so it is where people come close to one another in homes, shops, hairdressers and so on that masks protect. I think most people do the same as I do - carry a mask while on my way to the shops but only put it on to enter.

Yep. That's my appraoch too, elegran.

I don't even know anyone who's been ill with it! Yet I've had two people sectioned because of the new restrictions

Without the sensible precautions, we'd all be more scared and on edge, like those faced in 1348 with an inexplicable and lethal plague, and only prayer and superstition to protect them.

I think the problem is that with these new variants you can become sick from a much smaller viral load and being outside just reduces the viral load. Until we understand more about these new strains we have to take any extra precaution possible as the r rate has to be reduced to way below one to prevent community spread.

I suppose it is a matter of belt and braces, also it is easy to forget the mask entirely while planning what to buy, and walk in without it.

More infections seem to occur indoors than out, Baggs so it is where people come close to one another in homes, shops, hairdressers and so on that masks protect. I think most people do the same as I do - carry a mask while on my way to the shops but only put it on to enter.

Biscuitmuncher I am not scared or on edge. I have simply established a set of protocols to protect my very vulnerable DH from this new and very infectious version of COVID and I adhere to them. Most of the time we are on our own so can continue life indoors as if COVID was not around.

My home is my castle and anyone entering it obeys my rules.

One thing that puzzles me about the call to wear masks outside all the time is the good ventilation issue. It has been argued that one of the reasons the virus has spread rather quickly in hospitals and care homes is because of lack of ventilation. This is partly (as well as the high incidence of co-morbities in such settings), I am sure, because ill people and old people who don't move around very much get cold easily; opening windows can make keeping people warm much harder.

Anyway, to cut to the point, if good ventilation affords some protection from viruses (and probably other bugs), why do some people think it is necessary to wear a mask out of doors? Take it as read that social distancing is occurring out of doors. It is where I live.

Do you wear a seatbelt in the car, biscuitmuncher?
Do you have insurance in case your house goes on fire?
Do you look both ways before you cross the road?
Wear oven gloves to take a casserole out of the oven?
Keep sharp knives well away from toddlers?

If you say yes to any of these, are YOU "scared and on edge all the time" ? Or do you just get on with things, knowing you have taken sensible precautions?

It is obvious that you have not had a husband seriously ill with CoVid19. Maybe it wouldn't bother you if you did.

Biscuitmuncher

MOnica you must be so scared and on edge all the time, that's so sad

When do you wear a mask ? What measures are you taking to avoid Covid ?

No she isn’t because she understands the different ways that she may become infected and protects herself. Also, and I assume you don’t know this, her husband has recently left hospital. So I think you should apologise for your remark.

MOnica you must be so scared and on edge all the time, that's so sad

Biscuitcruncher Idf the answer was as simple as just wearing masks the disease would have disappeared long ago. Wearing masks is just one of several methods that help to reduce the transmission of the virus.

I do not wear a mask at home when just DH and our bubble are there but if anyone else comes into my home - when we had a kitchen fitter in, I wore a mask and so did he. Now DH is home from hospital, I wear one to open the door to anyone.

These things only work, if we wear them wherever there is a chance of the virus being handed on.

Workmen, cleaners etc. Until recently even my neighbours carers were turning up without masks: ditto another neighbours cleaner. I haven’t seen my grandchildren for almost a year, even when it was allowed, but if I had done so eg at Christmas I would have worn a mask.

growstuff you expect people to wear masks in home?

If you have seen everyone wearing a mask, everywhere, at all times, if they are less than two metres or six and a half feet, apart you would be justified in asking "Why don't masks work?". (and that is the very minimum, A fit of coughing, or a conversation shouting at someone, or sitting in a confined space where your breath could be leaking out of the sides of the mask and hanging around, could carry the virus further than two metres)
If you have seen people without a mask, then it is obvious that just the authorities saying that people should wear a mask isn't going to be enough.

Biscuitmuncher

MOnica if masks work why are things getting worse

Because people don't wear them, especially in risky situations, such as the home and educational settings.

Because of other factors of course plus not everyone wearing them plus we should be wearing them everywhere (ok not in the countryside) plus people meeting up indoors plus people going for walks in large groups etc etc plus Christmas etc

MOnica if masks work why are things getting worse

I think ExD that as the use of masks is so universal, regardless of COVID, in hospitals, on building sites, in factories, anywhere there is dust or fumes or infection or fear of infection because it protects the user, that to hear someone wondering whether masks work sounds very 'off', as if they might also be an antivaxxer who doubts whether any vaccine ever really works.

I am sure you are not a flat earther, but sometimes you sound like one.

Wonder how many coughs and colds have been prevented by wearing masks..

Excellent! Clear and to the point.

I think common sense tells us that wearing a mask works both ways.

Did my post sound as though I was trying to think up ways of not wearing them?
I haven't answered because I've been surprised by the hostile personal replies.
I was only making a casual throw-away remark as I was curious.