Has anyone bought a face mask?

[belugalad]

I'm wondering if anyone has ordered a face mask,if I end up having to go to the shops if I can't get a food delivery I'm worried that within a couple of weeks it will be difficult avoiding anyone carrying the virus in stores,I was in lidl today and the queue stretched half way back along the store and so I was surrounded by people,I would feel more comfortable if I had a face mask it's a shame we can't be provided with them.
I have looked at all sorts of masks and even gas masks today,I have no idea if any of them work or if any of the branded ones like 3M are counterfeit as they say some of them are.

 

[trophywench]

Well all the medics have ben saying, you know the NHS PPE ones we've seen on TV - well, it's only safe to keep them on for about 15-20 minutes at a time (because the person wearing it overheats to such an extent whilst they wear them) and those are the only ones that truly protect anybody from breathing in, any virus about either from the person they're treating or vice versa. I don't think any of us would be able to get hold of such a thing TBH.

 

[megga]

You can also catch it through your eyes. I think they're ok to stop one spreading rather than contracting the virus.
The best precaution is keep your hands clean and don't touch your face. I know its not great, and this is a worrying time, but its about the most we can do.

 

[bakebeans]

Masks are like gold dust and they don’t work. Where I work we are completely sold out it’s been going on for weeks and even the p3 rating ones don’t work you’ll be wasting your money even if by chance you get one

 

[belugalad]

Thanks folks,I might end up giving care to my mum and be very close to visiting carers on the other side of the bed as I can see the care company only sending 1 carer in which case I shall have to help them

 

[Docb]

Agree with the above - they have limited, if any effectiveness.

 

[grovesy]

Thanks folks,I might end up giving care to my mum and be very close to visiting carers on the other side of the bed as I can see the care company only sending 1 carer in which case I shall have to help them

If it gets that bad I would think the carers will be wearing masks, and also by then the queuing will be regulated to keeping your distance.

 

[belugalad]

If it gets that bad I would think the carers will be wearing masks, and also by then the queuing will be regulated to keeping your distance.

Yes I think the carers will,and I hope they do think of something to help us keep our distance in the stores,it's amazing how quickly life can change

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

The only purpose I know of in wearing a mask is if you have already GOT the virus and want to reduce the amount you are spreading it about (eg inside your home).

Of course, if you wanted to get one for those purposes, you are now most likely out of luck because of the folks in their toilet roll bunkers 😡

 

[miguel81]

The Guardia Civil (semi-military police) here have shown us how to make a mask using coffee filters. Whether they are effective or not is debatable but it at least shows other people that you are doing your best to conform.