Irish people should continue to wear face coverings even after the worst of Covid is over, says Anthony Staines (above), a professor of public health at Dublin City University
This morning.
“I would continue to wear a mask well after Christmas. To make it unnecessary we need to bring viral transmission and case numbers down a lot.
“A shift to outdoor culture and more mask wearing and working from home are not bad things. Mask wearing could be a permanent change in our behaviour like the Asian culture.”
Zero covid advocate and medical academic Anthony Staines
Fight!
Coronavirus Ireland: masks ‘will be needed well beyond Christmas’ (Independent.ie)
Sponsored Link
April 2020:
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan says he does not recommend masks for use by the general public.
Still hasn’t explained his change of heart
There weren’t enough masks for medical personal as well as the general public in April 2020.
That doesn’t explain his not making the “recommendation”.
If he was talking about a shortage, wouldn’t he have said so?
Surely the head of our approach to the pandemic wouldn’t be mincing words… Or was he?
Do you remember when the toilet-roll ran out? the shelves were cleared.
https://www.independent.ie/world-news/coronavirus/householders-spent-over-5m-in-toilet-roll-panic-buying-splurge-39083133.html
What do you think would have been the public’s reaction if he said “Actually, masks are effective at reducing the spread of Covid, but please don’t hoard them becasue we want to keep them for medical staff”?
I think this makes sense. And not just in relation to covid 19.
Why wouldn’t I wear a mask in the shop or on public transport – especially in winter, for example – when the worst of colds and flu and viral infection run rampant? If I have a viral cold and choose to wear a mask on the train to work, then the chances of me spreading it to others is reduced.
In plenty of Asian countries, particularly in large cities, people wear masks as a matter of course, especially if they are suffering from a cold or flu. It’s considered good manners.
It seems like a nice idea – however in asian cities its mostly due to smog and air pollution that mask wearing is so prevalent.
Viral particles will get through most masks unfortunately
We also have air pollution in our cities. I mean, I’d rather we dealt with the pollution than wear masks to reduce its effects, but there you go.
for once we are in agreement.
We should tackle the source and not the symptoms – get rid of the pollutants rather than give governments the get out of jail free card that is “sure just wear a mask”
We should tackle the source and not the symptoms – everyone get vaccinated
How’s that working out in Israel eh Cian?
On their first booster stab already.
Yes, smog and pollution are indeed part of it. You frequently see people wearing masks for exactly that reason. Especially on the streets.
But I also know that it’s part of the culture to wear a mask if you are unwell and using public transport, for example, or going to a shopping centre.
I’m not getting into a back-and-forth about the efficacy of masks.
Not in Japan.
Sure its your choice if you want to wear it, would consider it on public transport people can’t even manage to cover their mouths when coughing…disgusting
My littlest had to do a guerilla poo in the bushes the other day and I had to sacrifice the mask to wipe her. I then had to pick up a few bits in the supermarket on the way home and walked around the place no problem, wasn’t approached by anyone about it. It felt nice, I’m going to do it more often.
Did anyone give you the aul side eye? No scandalised gasps?
I hope they refuse to serve you.
Nope, no hassle whatsoever. Even when I started licking the bottles of ketchup and coughing all over the teabags.
That’s lovely to hear Scottser ;)
I generally find if you’re nice and smiley about it there’s no problem.
People like to see faces – we’re hardwired for it.
Ignore George.
I genuinely completely forgot and swanned around Tesco smiling at everyone,
it wasn’t until I got out and went to bin it ( because I do after each use, filthy things ) that I realized I hadn’t one on,
no one said a word
As long as it’s not mandatory he’s free to recommend whatever he wants
Agreed- as long as people are free to choose.
This.
While I’m wearing a mask because it’s mandatory, and wore one a little bit before it became mandatory, they are rather unpleasant in any kind of good weather. I’ve a bit more sympathy for the yanks protesting against wearing them now that I’ve actually had to wear one in hot and humid weather.
I’m definitely pro restrictions, pro-vaccines etc, but I would not like to see mask wearing and social distancing enforced as an answer to understaffed winter emergency departments for example.
Shops in the US are airconditioned.
I think it’s clear by now Howard Hughes, err Mr. Staines, has developed a mental problem. Take a break from the books Sir and go out and take some fresh air.
Could he have Covid Anxiety Syndrome?
Honestly, regardless how you feel about masks, I would not think it’s a good idea to shy away from infections and not expose your immune system.
Remember, “It needs practice!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X29lF43mUlo
Cue the usual heads saying “I don’t think I’ll take my medical advise from a comedian”
:P
…anthony “look for ways to increase insecurity, anxiety, and uncertainty.” staines.
If someone wants to wear a mask after restrictions are lifted, the only problem will be someone attacking them, either physically or verbally, for doing so… and why would anyone do that?
there’s naut as strange as folk
I’ll continue to wear a mask forever if I get the slightest hint of being in anyway unwell.
Not wanting to spread infections and all, its my innate selfishness that drives me to do stuff like this.
My germs are for me and me alone, get your own germs!!!!
Grrrr……
I still wear mine in places I don’t need to if it’s a bit busier than I would like. I see others doing the same and nobody passes any remarks but then again I live in London where people tend to keep their opinions to themselves.
But they are no longer mandatory there?
It’s understandable that some people would want to continue wearing them and its not surprising after the fear mongering and propaganda being pumped out from every mainstream media outfit for so long.
They’re not a legal requirement anymore but service providers and business owners can make them a condition of providing a service or entry on to their premises. Places currently doing that include public transport, health care providers and some shops.