I’ve got no intention of breaking the law in this respect, I just don’t believe it works and I find face coverings extremely uncomfortable to wear.

My opinion on this is if there is something that will make people feel better about themselves and safer (regardless of whether it is effective or not) then they will probably introduce it.

There's plenty of evidence to demonstrate that masks limit and spread of covid-19 (but real life outbreak situations, and studies). They may even limit the severity if you still get it. Of course some masks protect you better than others so that can factor in but as a general idea wearing a face mask during a pandemic isn't the worst decision a nation of people can make.

In Asian countries such as Hong Kong they learned lessons from SARS and so just tend to just get on with following basic instruction designed to help others. Countries like Thailand too, Japan, China (ironically). They're all breezing through this in comparison to most European nations due to their adherence to basic ideas of keeping others safe. Consequently they aren't tasked with some of the tough decisions we are.

Putting "the current consensus is" before saying something entirely subjective doesn't mean that it emerges as a universal truth.

While studies show visors to be mostly pointless, there are various studies and virus spreading instances that suggest that masks limited covid-19 spread. The viral load point was based on recent case studies and animal studies. You actually 'speculated' yourself in your previous message in which you were aghast at speculation so...!? I've posted all of these and more over time, you didn't bother replying to follow up posts so do your own homework. I am ever happy to send them by PM to anyone who displays a more balanced approach to the subject. Nowhere did I or another say that 'viral load' in relation to covid-19 is fact either. Simply that there is at least some reason to believe that it might hold up and its being explored so may be of interest. I don't need a lecture on when or what I can post but many thanks for your concern.

As for a general point about masks, we can all hum and haw about the extent that masks help (though its clearly laughable to claim that masks don't help at all), but when push comes to shove I'd rather be someone who did my bit through doing something so simple that has sound scientific and logical rationale behind it, than be someone who killed others off while telling everyone how right they are about everything.

Maybe when you make your lockdown points you feel that everyone has bought into a package deal of beliefs (like yourself) and that I believe everything you imagine I must by default. Sadly not.

-I've never said nor do I believe that lockdowns get us through this any quicker. That would make little sense.

- Lockdown clearly eventually reduces spread while the lockdown is ongoing, unless you think the current resurgence is a staggering coincidence. Is it worth having another lockdown though? Probably not in my view due to the impact on the economy. Hope this helps.

Some have these abstract ideas of 'you can't convince me personally in this very moment that I should be wearing a mask so that's that'. Of course in reality if someone actually had covid and was wheezing away in close vicinity to you and you had an option for them to be wearing a mask or not, you would instantly elect for them to be wearing one. I'm more interested in being helpful than a pointless back and forth so that's the end of this particular conversation. Have a happy and healthy weekend.

Edited by BlueJay (25 Sep 2020 3.08pm)

Good grief!

I'll say it again. There is no "evidence to demonstrate that masks limit and spread of covid-19". There is an assumption that it may do so, but no evidence.

Also, you make the assunption that I am anti mask wearing. I wear a mask as prescribed by emergency law. I happen to believe they may help to a small extent. But to keep stating that there is evidence is just untrue.

And please stop being so aggressive and condescending.

Systematically dragged down by the lawmakers

The effect on the economy is going to kill a lot more people than the virus. The financial aid to companies this time is going to see far more job losses than furlough. Corporations might be able to survive, but smaller buisinesses will have to get rid of staff, or close down. Without money, there is worse health. Check out third world countries.......

Systematically dragged down by the lawmakers

Ask yourself that question. Now as I said move on.