MY THOUGHTS: THE SUN HEADLINE ON MASK WEAR

Masks will never fully go out to the public because that would simply restrict the hard working NHS staff who are doing there best to save as many lives as possible in the UK. People who wear masks think they are secure from the illness but in all honesty there is simply no evidence of that working when the most vunuble is within your households.

The problem also is that there are simply not enough masks to go around. If the UK Government say tomorrow you must wear masks then Supermarkets should be selling them, but they are not. Like everything else around the world the situation is changing everyday and who knows what will happen in the coming days.

I think they will recomment using them once lock down is finished and once they have enough for the NHS. Sadly we have to many idiots in the UK who would bulk buy, i seen some on a buy and sell facebookgroup the otherday,a small pack for £20

Evidence supporting effectiveness of masks is 'weak'

Sir Patrick Vallance said the information available on the effectiveness of masks remained "weak".

He said: "The evidence on face masks has always been quite variable, quite weak and difficult to know.

"There aren't any real trials on it.

"We have undertaken a review, we will give our advice to ministers and they will make decisions around what to do around that."

French government to provide public with washable face masks

The French public will be provided millions of washable face masks from early May, the government said today amid a row over its flip-flopping on the value of masks in protecting against coronavirus infection.

Junior Finance Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher told financial daily Les Echos that domestic and international plants produced more than 10 million textile masks last week and that output should reach 25 million a week by the end of April.

Until the scheduled end of France's lockdown period on May 11, these masks will be sold to companies and municipalities, but from May 4 they will also be sold to the public, most likely via pharmacies, supermarkets, newspaper shops and online.

"The state will help provide masks to the public as soon as possible via the most suitable distribution channels," Pannier-Runacher said.

In a video call with French mayors on Thursday, President Emmanuel Macron indicated that mask wearing for the public would only be recommended and probably made mandatory in public transport once the lockdown is lifted.

Scottish government recommends wearing face masks in public

The Scottish Government has recommended wearing face masks in public in "limited circumstances".

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the change in policy at her daily briefing giving updates on the Covid-19 response.

A total of 1,332 patients have died in Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus, up by 70 from 1,262 on Monday, the First Minister said.

She said 10,721 people have now tested positive for the virus in Scotland, up by 200 from 10,521 the day before.

There are 126 people in intensive care with coronavirus or coronavirus symptoms and 1,754 people are in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19.

I also recommend looking both ways before you cross the road. It saves lives but it's not essential.

I also recommend looking both ways before you cross the road. It saves lives but it's not essential.

To save time when crossing a one way street, just look the one way

Facemasks could lead to 'cavalier' behaviour, warns UK minister

In the latest in the debate over whether people in the UK should wear facemasks in public, a minister has said the government is worried people might act in a "cavalier" way.

Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said some people might think that wearing a mask "protects themselves, as distinct to protecting others".

However, he did say the government would keep its advice under review.

Previously, the chief scientific officer, Sir Patrick Vallance, has said the evidence relating to masks helping prevent transmission was "quite weak".

Face mask 'debate' going on in UK

Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford says the clinical evidence on wearing face masks in public to limit the spread of coronavirus remains "finely balanced", but conceded: "There is a debate going on across the UK."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggested yesterday that the idea would be “useful” once lockdown restrictions ease, while Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has recommended wearing masks in shops and on public transport.

“We’re not yet in a position in Wales where our Chief Medical Officer (Dr Frank Atherton) has taken that view," Mr Drakeford said.

"There is advice that wearing non-medical face coverings by members of the public can have a marginal advantage, and in some cases that is being advised... but there are areas where the evidence itself is contested, and face masks is one."

Some "experts" say we should wear them.

Some "experts" say they're of minimal value.

One of the most frustrating aspects of this whole sorry episode has been the amount of so-called "experts" who have been pontificating on every aspect of the crisis when nobody really has any idea of what is truly going on.

I always wondered exactly what was meant by "fake news" but we seem to be getting more and more examples of it on a daily basis.

I honestly have absolutely no idea what to believe any more about this whole situation.

Some more news from Spain, where people have been enjoying getting out and exercising after weeks trapped indoors.

The country will make masks compulsory on public transport from Monday to prevent a spike in coronavirus infections as the strict lockdown is eased.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the government would distribute six million masks across the country from Monday, with another seven million being sent to local authorities.

Sanchez also said his government would approve a €16bn (£14.2bn) reconstruction fund to help regions deal with the social and economic impact of the pandemic.

Passengers travelling on Eurostar trains out of the UK must wear a face mask or a face covering from Monday

To save time when crossing a one way street, just look the one way

Apart when there are idiots about who go the wrong way in a one way street

Face masks give people confidence, first minister says

First Minister Mark Drakeford said while more people were wearing face masks, they were of “marginal utility clinically”.

He said he understood that it gave people “confidence” to go out while wearing “non-medical face covering” but “not a mask that ends up competing with the NHS for masks,” he told The Andrew Marr Show.

“We are going to have to do things to persuade people that it is safe for them to resume parts of what was previously normal activity.

“If wearing a face mask is something which gives people that confidence, we will certainly be prepared to look at that in Wales.”

Welsh guidance on 'non-clinical face coverings' to be formalised

The chief medical officer for Wales, Frank Atherton, is going to “formalise his advice” to the Welsh government on whether people should wear non-clinical face masks, the First Minister said.

“What we are talking about are not masks of the sort that are worn in hospital,” Drakeford said.

“We’re not going to embark on a course of action where members of the public end up competing with the health service for the use of masks which are needed in a clinical setting, and for which there isn’t evidence for use in the community.

“What we are talking about are non-clinical face coverings, that’s the phrase the Scottish government has used in its guidance.”

Face masks restrict the amount of oxygen that you take in, thus causing more problems. This is seriously bad advice imo

Face masks restrict the amount of oxygen that you take in, thus causing more problems. This is seriously bad advice imo

Not only that,they only protect others from being coughed or sneezed upon! And as the value of them is negligible according to some top scientific minds,and as it's been pointed out somewhere in government in Wales, it's been said it can bring confidence in going out?? I seriously question the word confidence being used,unless, as I have witnessed on many occasions,it's meant as people wearing masks are confident because they feel invincible? ? I have encountered mask wearing morons,who seem to think they can break the 2 metre social distancing rule, all I have seen to date is people being downright rude & ignorant,all because they have a mask on don't get me wrong,the other say 10% wearing masks,avoid you as if you contaminated.and do everything in their power to avoid you.

For f**k's sake you people really need to stay off the internet. I can see why Annis lost it with someone yesterday.

For f**k's sake you people really need to stay off the internet. I can see why Annis lost it with someone yesterday.

I'm not sure who that is aimed at but I will say it's all about opinions and if Annis lost it with someone yesterday that dont make it right. Have an open mind is what I will say and see the bigger picture

UK adviser: Masks can be 'beneficial' in crowded areas

The UK government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, is giving evidence to the Health and Social Care Committee this morning.

He told the virtual meeting that wearing face masks had a "marginal but positive" impact on the spread of infection and there may be times when it could be beneficial for people to do so.

"Where masks may have a role is where distancing isn’t possible, where there might be undue crowding," he said. "There may be times when wearing masks can therefore be beneficial to stop the spread."

Sir Patrick made it clear that social distancing and hand washing were vital and that wearing a mask should not replace either.

He added this advice has been given to ministers and he says it is "up to them to decide what to do".

UK adviser: Masks can be 'beneficial' in crowded areas

The UK government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, is giving evidence to the Health and Social Care Committee this morning.

He told the virtual meeting that wearing face masks had a "marginal but positive" impact on the spread of infection and there may be times when it could be beneficial for people to do so.

"Where masks may have a role is where distancing isn’t possible, where there might be undue crowding," he said. "There may be times when wearing masks can therefore be beneficial to stop the spread."

Sir Patrick made it clear that social distancing and hand washing were vital and that wearing a mask should not replace either.

He added this advice has been given to ministers and he says it is "up to them to decide what to do".

And this from chief advisor? The same chief advisor that the government has listened to date? Well going on that,this is the person who the government rely on to correctly try to control the outbreak,and according to most have got it so wrong so far?? Why would someone choose to follow his advice,which in itself is inconclusive there may be times when wearing a mask may be beneficial? No shit sherlock,why not tell boris early on,so they could get them out to the public? Or do we have to source them ourselves,putting a strain on already stretched reources of them?? Does he go to his local supermarket, where mask wearers consistently seem to believe a mask makes it ok to stand 2 feet away,or next to you,somehow makes them immune from the virus,so they can carry on as normal? Because in my personal experience to date,mask wearers are ignoring social distance rules,and have an air of" f@ck you jack,I'm alright,I'm wearing a mask!!,not all I will admit,but an overall majority behave like knob. Who have little regard for their flow human beings.

UK adviser: Masks can be 'beneficial' in crowded areas

The UK government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, is giving evidence to the Health and Social Care Committee this morning.

He told the virtual meeting that wearing face masks had a "marginal but positive" impact on the spread of infection and there may be times when it could be beneficial for people to do so.

"Where masks may have a role is where distancing isn’t possible, where there might be undue crowding," he said. "There may be times when wearing masks can therefore be beneficial to stop the spread."

Sir Patrick made it clear that social distancing and hand washing were vital and that wearing a mask should not replace either.

He added this advice has been given to ministers and he says it is "up to them to decide what to do".

And this from chief advisor? The same chief advisor that the government has listened to date? Well going on that,this is the person who the government rely on to correctly try to control the outbreak,and according to most have got it so wrong so far?? Why would someone choose to follow his advice,which in itself is inconclusive there may be times when wearing a mask may be beneficial? No shit sherlock,why not tell boris early on,so they could get them out to the public? Or do we have to source them ourselves,putting a strain on already stretched reources of them?? Does he go to his local supermarket, where mask wearers consistently seem to believe a mask makes it ok to stand 2 feet away,or next to you,somehow makes them immune from the virus,so they can carry on as normal? Because in my personal experience to date,mask wearers are ignoring social distance rules,and have an air of" f@ck you jack,I'm alright,I'm wearing a mask!!,not all I will admit,but an overall majority behave like knob. Who have little regard for their flow human beings.

so his advice that its inconclusive { which are most countries take on them } and shouldn't replace hand washing and social distancing ..is wrong?

UK adviser: Masks can be 'beneficial' in crowded areas

The UK government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, is giving evidence to the Health and Social Care Committee this morning.

He told the virtual meeting that wearing face masks had a "marginal but positive" impact on the spread of infection and there may be times when it could be beneficial for people to do so.

"Where masks may have a role is where distancing isn’t possible, where there might be undue crowding," he said. "There may be times when wearing masks can therefore be beneficial to stop the spread."

Sir Patrick made it clear that social distancing and hand washing were vital and that wearing a mask should not replace either.

He added this advice has been given to ministers and he says it is "up to them to decide what to do".

And this from chief advisor? The same chief advisor that the government has listened to date? Well going on that,this is the person who the government rely on to correctly try to control the outbreak,and according to most have got it so wrong so far?? Why would someone choose to follow his advice,which in itself is inconclusive there may be times when wearing a mask may be beneficial? No shit sherlock,why not tell boris early on,so they could get them out to the public? Or do we have to source them ourselves,putting a strain on already stretched reources of them?? Does he go to his local supermarket, where mask wearers consistently seem to believe a mask makes it ok to stand 2 feet away,or next to you,somehow makes them immune from the virus,so they can carry on as normal? Because in my personal experience to date,mask wearers are ignoring social distance rules,and have an air of" f@ck you jack,I'm alright,I'm wearing a mask!!,not all I will admit,but an overall majority behave like knob. Who have little regard for their flow human beings.

so his advice that its inconclusive { which are most countries take on them } and shouldn't replace hand washing and social distancing ..is wrong?

The wearing of masks in busy places may be beneficial in stopping the spread he said,so when is he going to advise the wearing of them,on tpublic transport,hospitals and supermarkets? My main point was dogfound, that I don't trust his advice,as he has been advising the pm, and to date "the science" boris claims to have been given hasn't panned out well as far as I can see.as for hand washing and social distancing? ? We will have to wait and see, personally I cannot see bits conforming,once locknown is lifted,people fail to do it now! Look at spain,a couple of days in of relaxed lockdown, and residents in alicante and fuengerola up in arms at hoardes of people totally ignoring the 2 metre ruling over there,cyclist's in groups,runners spitting on the pavements! Saying they are fearing a 2nd wave ,and another lengthy spell indoors if it's not sorted ASAP. I trust not one countries figures personally,too many deaths being given covid status,some with no test taking place,others being guessed etc etc.

Employers to be asked to supply workers with masks as advice on face coverings set to be changed

Companies will be asked to provide face coverings for staff who are required back at work, with Boris Johnson expected to recommend their use on Sunday night.

Although face coverings will not be made compulsory for people in England, the Prime Minister is likely to suggest that they are worn at work, on public transport and while out shopping when he delivers his lockdown address at 7pm.

Employers to be asked to supply workers with masks as advice on face coverings set to be changed

Companies will be asked to provide face coverings for staff who are required back at work, with Boris Johnson expected to recommend their use on Sunday night.

Although face coverings will not be made compulsory for people in England, the Prime Minister is likely to suggest that they are worn at work, on public transport and while out shopping when he delivers his lockdown address at 7pm.

My question remains, why wasn't this advice given at the start of this outbreak? ? If the advice is as you say, to be worn in the areas above,how come they have waited this long in deciding they may be beneficial in helping stop the spread!! We are supposedly past the peak,and it's pitifully poor this advice wasn't given at the outset,the government will have a lot to answer for,when this is over,a lot!

Employers to be asked to supply workers with masks as advice on face coverings set to be changed

Companies will be asked to provide face coverings for staff who are required back at work, with Boris Johnson expected to recommend their use on Sunday night.

Although face coverings will not be made compulsory for people in England, the Prime Minister is likely to suggest that they are worn at work, on public transport and while out shopping when he delivers his lockdown address at 7pm.

My question remains, why wasn't this advice given at the start of this outbreak? ? If the advice is as you say, to be worn in the areas above,how come they have waited this long in deciding they may be beneficial in helping stop the spread!! We are supposedly past the peak,and it's pitifully poor this advice wasn't given at the outset,the government will have a lot to answer for,when this is over,a lot!

all governments have been reluctant to say it because A } masks are not all of the same standard.. B} studies of their usefulness have been inconclusive and C} did you really want joe public competing and gazumping with our NHS for PPE... the shortages and advice are not purely UK problems , they are European / worldwide problems..

Employers to be asked to supply workers with masks as advice on face coverings set to be changed

Companies will be asked to provide face coverings for staff who are required back at work, with Boris Johnson expected to recommend their use on Sunday night.

Although face coverings will not be made compulsory for people in England, the Prime Minister is likely to suggest that they are worn at work, on public transport and while out shopping when he delivers his lockdown address at 7pm.

My question remains, why wasn't this advice given at the start of this outbreak? ? If the advice is as you say, to be worn in the areas above,how come they have waited this long in deciding they may be beneficial in helping stop the spread!! We are supposedly past the peak,and it's pitifully poor this advice wasn't given at the outset,the government will have a lot to answer for,when this is over,a lot!

all governments have been reluctant to say it because A } masks are not all of the same standard.. B} studies of their usefulness have been inconclusive and C} did you really want joe public competing and gazumping with our NHS for PPE... the shortages and advice are not purely UK problems , they are European / worldwide problems..

Point A, I totally agree with,point 2,I have mentioned the lack of evidence in their usefulness,and point c,at the beginning the government bullshitting us into believing there was no shortage of ppe,it was only later the truth came out,so at that time I wouldn't have hesitated to go online (as you still can) and source my own.also I watched a ceo of a company that makes the material for surgical gowns,bemoaning his main customer was Germany, as he had contacted the government, and they never go back to him?? Is there enough masks now for NHS and care homes? Because if they male wearing masks in public spaces mandatory,and these places are still struggling, then do you believe Joe public will care enough to not compete for what is available? Because as you pointed out,some are not up to the standard required for proper protection fromantic a virus.as we have witnessed in the major over buying in supermarkets weeks back,most people were only concerned with themselves,without a thought for any one else,old and infirm included.

More on new face coverings advice

For the first time, people in England are being advised to wear face coverings in enclosed spaces where they come into contact with other people – including on public transport.

The guidance emphasises that people should use home-made coverings, not the specialist masks used by healthcare workers, for example.

Until now, the advice has been that only those working in health or care settings needed to cover their faces. The government had said there was little evidence that masks helped to stop the spread of the virus among the general public.

But this had been controversial, as other countries had already recommended the use of face coverings.

Face masks in Wales 'will not be mandatory'

The wearing of non-medical face masks in public will not be mandatory in Wales, the first minister has said.

Mark Drakeford said he had received advice from the chief medical officer in Wales and that there was only a "marginal public health case" for the measure.

During the Welsh Government daily press briefing, Mr Drakeford said: “It doesn't protect you, the wearer, from anybody else, but it may protect other people from the risk of you infecting them.”

The first minister went on to say where people felt it offered them “confidence” then there was a case for wearing them, as long as they wore a non-medical face covering and “were not competing” with people who needed them in a medical setting.

He reminded the public, that if they were showing symptoms of Covid-19 they should not be out in public wearing a face covering, but should be self-isolating at home.