Meeting friends

some still wonder why "spikes" are appearing

I went to our local chippy on Monday there was a person in there without a mask, ranting on about the false information being given out about the fake virus

He did not look like he was mad

Yep.☹️ I for one trust no one, even members of my own family to do the right thing, the safest thing at the moment. No one other than my Mum and Sister have been in our house since March. That only happened from end of July. We have had other sensible members of family through garage and into garden for visits, but it’s on a strict understanding of what’s safe and acceptable. Some are emergency workers, so in contact daily with Covid throughout last six months.

If it was a more visible pandemic, something that disfigured, I doubt quite as many would be as blasé about it. 

Are you saying others tend to avoid you with not wearing a mask

I have used one of our local chippies once a fortnight Masks are rare amongst customers but social distancing is observed. I order and pay on line with a collection time. There are only two allowed inside at a time. Customers are well spaced outside. 

Folk go just inside the door and either give an order or, if pre ordered say they have arrived and go outside to wait a call. If they have started your order you might be asked to stand at the back corner 5m from door  and collection and three from payment location. Collection point is about 2 feet wide with a gap in the full length plastic screen for collection. Your order is placed in a plastic box there there, the assistant stands back and calls your name. Works well and safely.  

If as in most cases here shops including takeaways have a big  sign at the entrance to "please wear face mask on entering" why would some as usual think it does not apply to them (unless exempt?)

You are probably right Steve. However, as no one is “policing” it, as it stands it’s open house. Tesco staff I know have been asked to politely remind anyone without, but nothing beyond that. It’s similar to all the other restrictions, guidance put into place since March, lacks any kind of teeth. Too little, too late, lacks cohesion and commitment. 

I don’t understand the need for ‘exemptions’ how can anyone be exempted from wearing something that helps us to save lives🤷🏻‍♂️. I’d be interested to learn of the exemptions that some individuals could possibly have👍🏻

I think it applies to people with conditions that impair breathing, Asthma, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema etc. Perversely, these are the same folks who are most vulnerable.  Many home-made masks are flimsy 1 ply, which is not as adequate for protection as the recommended 3 ply masks. However, you certainly recognise the difference if you wear the latter for long enough.

There are many things in life that puzzle me but, if you do want to know about exemptions this may help from the .Gov site;

Exemption cards
Those who have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a face covering should not be routinely asked to give any written evidence of this, this includes exemption cards. No person needs to seek advice or request a letter from a medical professional about their reason for not wearing a face covering.

Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign.

This is a personal choice and is not necessary in law.

Access exemption card templates

So it may be an age, health or disabilty reason and there are also many examples given on the same page.