I've thought masks were quite a good idea in cities since I got my freedom pass about 6 years ago and noticed how many Asians on the tube were wearing masks. But I reckon at best they help avoid 5% - probably nearer 1% - of germs and pollution. Likewise on the tube I always touch surfaces with hands covered. I'm a vaccines fan - had the flu jab for 15 years; experienced how much worse flu was when they gave the wrong vaccine 2017-18 (5 days bed instead of 24 hours). Keeping away from people seemed a good idea until they found a vaccine as I'm in two of the vulnerable categories.

N95s are called that because they block out 95 percent of the particles, providing they are fitted correctly.

I am bloody tormented by mine, for the usual reasons, but persevere because I cant get covid (or flu.) and neither can someone I look after.

I think it is reasonable for masks to be worn in places we cant avoid, like food shops, transport and doctors, but I take the view that it is up to me to protect myself, and not rely on others.

I wouldn't hold hands now with someone unless we were both wearing rubber gloves.

hedda wrote:
I wouldn't hold hands now with someone unless we were both wearing rubber gloves.

Who says romance is dead...

Wyot wrote:
hedda wrote:
I wouldn't hold hands now with someone unless we were both wearing rubber gloves.

Who says romance is dead...

certainly dead with me.

I might have a chance though with one of those strange people that likes to fiddle with a corpse.