Remaining Effects of Covid

[VauxhallandI]

That is your choice and must be respected. Others make other choices, which must also be respected.

There is respecting choices but how far do you go with that? Encouraging fear has a different weighting to caring.

The real way to “make others feel comfortable” is to show them that it is unnecessary no?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Jul 2023 ==

On the other side of the coin are people like my partner. We got Covid before the vaccinations were available. I was out cold (so to speak) with a fever for almost seven days. I don't think she was so bad but she is still lumbered with long Covid. If only the Vaccine had been available. We later heard two of her friends died just before we got Covid so she feels very lucky. So I think we need to know how many peoples lives were saved by the Vaccine and how many peoples lives were lost because of the vaccine.

These are not comparable situations?
Therefore the number request is pointless.

Its about Co-erosion and social blackmail and following orders.

 

[Bletchleyite]

There is respecting choices but how far do you go with that? Encouraging fear has a different weighting to caring.

I've already explained why medical professionals wearing proven effective, correctly fitted FFP3 masks is rational depending on how often they wish to be ill while working in an environment full of ill people. It's nothing like the flimsy fabric masks in shops nonsense. It's not even purely about COVID.

 

[VauxhallandI]

I've already explained why medical professionals wearing proven effective, correctly fitted FFP3 masks is rational depending on how often they wish to be ill while working in an environment full of ill people. It's nothing like the flimsy fabric masks in shops nonsense. It's not even purely about COVID.

And of course when you explain it that’s it.

 

[Bletchleyite]

And of course when you explain it that’s it.

Use of correctly fitted FFP3 masks proven scientifically to provide protection by individuals at high risk desiring that protection is, yes. Zealotry in either direction isn't good.

I'd not sand down my walls or work with asbestos without an FFP2 mask (the particles are bigger so FFP3 isn't needed) and goggles. It's just PPE, nothing to be hung up on.

Many will choose not to, and that's fine too.

 

[adc82140]

I've already explained why medical professionals wearing proven effective, correctly fitted FFP3 masks is rational depending on how often they wish to be ill while working in an environment full of ill people. It's nothing like the flimsy fabric masks in shops nonsense. It's not even purely about COVID.

If one treats people as purely vectors of disease in a Healthcare setting and puts up barriers (physical and metaphorical) due to fear of viruses, then I would suggest that person has chosen the wrong career.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Jul 2023 ==

I'd not sand down my walls or work with asbestos without an FFP2 mask (the particles are bigger so FFP3 isn't needed) and goggles. It's just PPE, nothing to be hung up on.

Many will choose not to, and that's fine too.

Working with a power sander doesn't require empathy towards the wall or the asbestos, so it's a no brainier to wear a mask.

 

[Peter Sarf]

There is respecting choices but how far do you go with that? Encouraging fear has a different weighting to caring.

The real way to “make others feel comfortable” is to show them that it is unnecessary no?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Jul 2023 ==


These are not comparable situations?
Therefore the number request is pointless.

Its about Co-erosion and social blackmail and following orders.

I am not sure on your point but I know my partner would have preferred to have the Covid vaccination earlier and has so far had 4. She had minor soreness from one but for two we could not even see the injection site after 24 hours. The second time I got Covid she did not have symptoms and did not test positive. So we assume the vaccination helped her. I have an allergy which means the Covid vaccination might kill me (not yet established for me if what I react to is in the jabs). I got Covid a second time and was ill for one day and tested positive, but my immune system must be very strong according to the GP so no pressure to have the jab - until I get old and frail(er) !.

In the case of my partner she feels very very lucky to have survived even if she now has long Covid. Nowadays it is mainly a lack of stamina she suffers from.

I've already explained why medical professionals wearing proven effective, correctly fitted FFP3 masks is rational depending on how often they wish to be ill while working in an environment full of ill people. It's nothing like the flimsy fabric masks in shops nonsense. It's not even purely about COVID.

I agree and will enlarge on that. With an FFP3 mask it is not just the wearer protecting THEMSELVES but it follows they will be less likely to pass an illness on to others if they have not even caught it in the first place. So a Doctor might not be scared at all of catching Covid but might still prefer to wear a mask so as to avoid passing something they are not scared of onto someone who is scared. Scared because of public/private/political/peer opinion/pressure OR because they have underlying health issues that make Covid more serious for them.

If one treats people as purely vectors of disease in a Healthcare setting and puts up barriers (physical and metaphorical) due to fear of viruses, then I would suggest that person has chosen the wrong career.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Jul 2023 ==


Working with a power sander doesn't require empathy towards the wall or the asbestos, so it's a no brainier to wear a mask.

As I said just above, a Doctor would prefer to be cautious not only to protect them selves BUT more importantly protect vulnerable patients that they might see after they have caught an infection. In a healthcare setting we have to assume there are many more vulnerable people than for example on public transport.

In terms of a doctor having fear. Our nearest General Practice to us (not ours) lost one doctor to Covid early at about the same time we got it bad. I wonder if he was wearing a mask etc etc. I feel we may have shared the same local supermarket as his patients.

---

To balance the argument a bit I still have no idea how I caught Covid the first time but suspect the second time was on the coach to Cardiff. So it could be touching a dirty surface or inhaling.

 

[route101]

I have noticed on Tour de France coverage, they are wearing masks in the press/team areas.-

 

[davews]

You can say you wear a mask out of respect for others. I am one of those where seeing people with masks upsets me greatly, maybe as a result of something that happened in my childhood, I don't know. And being a hearing aid user I really do need to see people's mouths. The time for these horrible things has gone, please respect my wishes as well.

 

[Peter Sarf]

You can say you wear a mask out of respect for others. I am one of those where seeing people with masks upsets me greatly, maybe as a result of something that happened in my childhood, I don't know. And being a hearing aid user I really do need to see people's mouths. The time for these horrible things has gone, please respect my wishes as well.

I know what you mean. I find it a bit disconcerting myself if I encounter mask wearers.

Furthermore we do in our culture even rely on facial expression a lot. It is why there have been times that beards have been looked down upon. Face coverings are even more of an issue in Western culture.

But for some the lack of a mask is a danger to their life. For them it is not just about feeling insecure it is danger. Where the balance is I do not know but as time goes by the danger is receding.

It has been said that there were lower levels of the common cold and flu as a result of all the precautions taken during the thick of Covid. I certainly did not notice people around me with the more usual ailments. A lot of that could be to do with the lack of travel on packed trains and busses of course. Something I have no intention of going back to - that commuting ordeal that we actually had to pay for !. Mobile work force - my ass !.

 

[Richard Scott]

But for some the lack of a mask is a danger to their life. For them it is not just about feeling insecure it is danger. Where the balance is I do not know but as time goes by the danger is receding.

I'm sorry but that is quite ridiculous; if their life is in that much danger they shouldn't even be out. A mask is not going to help there.

 

[yorkie]

That is your choice and must be respected. Others make other choices, which must also be respected.

That's far too simplistic.

Many people rely, at least partially, on visual clues (including lip-reading to some extent) when understanding communication, which can be hampered by the wearing of masks.

Those who choose to wear masks at a workplace must respect the right of the customer (passenger, patient, whatever) to be be able to understand them and not be inhibited; if anyone is showing any signs of not being able to fully understand the mask wearer, the masker should remove their mask immediately.

It's not acceptable for people such as healthcare professions to act in a manner that makes them less easily understood.

Remember not all disabilities or difficulties experienced by people are visual and not everyone who experiences difficulties wants to divulge this.

As for not wanting to be ill while being near ill people, I think you are massively exaggerating this. I have worked in settings that have regularly involved working with people who are ill, coughing or whatever and yet have an excellent sickness record. If anything being exposed to pathogens on a regular basis strengthens our immune system.

If you want to reduce the likelihood of getting ill, you'd be far better off making changes in terms of diet, exercise etc which are far beyond the scope of this thread.

I know what you mean. I find it a bit disconcerting myself if I encounter mask wearers.

Agreed.

Furthermore we do in our culture even rely on facial expression a lot. It is why there have been times that beards have been looked down upon. Face coverings are even more of an issue in Western culture.

Yep, spot on.

But for some the lack of a mask is a danger to their life.

No it isn't.

For them it is not just about feeling insecure it is danger. Where the balance is I do not know but as time goes by the danger is receding.

Perceived danger is not the same as actual danger.

It has been said that there were lower levels of the common cold and flu as a result of all the precautions taken during the thick of Covid.

During the lockdowns it will have been due to reduced mixing; after lockdowns had ended but during the time of the "pingdemic", it was perhaps due to viral interference and Sars-Cov-2 being dominant over other pathogens. Later on, there was actually a resurgence of other viruses, including RSV and influenza both of which did cause hospitals problems for a time.

I certainly did not notice people around me with the more usual ailments. A lot of that could be to do with the lack of travel on packed trains and busses of course.

Not more of this public transport bashing, please! Don't believe everything you read in the sensationalist media!

Something I have no intention of going back to - that commuting ordeal that we actually had to pay for !. Mobile work force - my ass !.

Many people who do ordinary working jobs do have to go into work daily. Those who are lucky enough not to do that should be grateful for those who do have to do these important jobs, such as practical jobs, customer-focused jobs etc. I don't think it's right people should gloat about it and there is a risk that posts of the wording above could come across that way, even if not intended.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Many people rely, at least partially, on visual clues (including lip-reading to some extent) when understanding communication, which can be hampered by the wearing of masks.

Those who choose to wear masks at a workplace must respect the right of the customer (passenger, patient, whatever) to be be able to understand them and not be inhibited; if anyone is showing any signs of not being able to fully understand the mask wearer, the masker should remove their mask immediately.

I think that's fair, the worker will still be protected while speaking to most of their patients.

It's not acceptable for people such as healthcare professions to act in a manner that makes them less easily understood.

Remember not all disabilities or difficulties experienced by people are visual and not everyone who experiences difficulties wants to divulge this.

You're talking to your doctor. They've got a computer in front of them showing them everything confidential there is to know about your healthcare, including any diagnosed disabilities. Thus pretty much nothing you tell them is going to be a surprise.

But let's not go down the alley of "I want special treatment for my disability but don't want to tell them I have a disability nor request that special treatment", as that is just plain silly - but it comes up here surprisingly often, normally when the RUK Standard Minority is wheeled out. If you want reasonable adjustments and the disability isn't visibly obvious, you need to ask for them. You don't need to give lots of detail, just say "I'm sorry*, I can't understand you with the mask on, would you mind taking it off please?", and if they do, as they should, then there's no problem.

* English politeness, not an actual apology of course.

As for not wanting to be ill while being near ill people, I think you are massively exaggerating this. I have worked in settings that have regularly involved working with people who are ill, coughing or whatever and yet have an excellent sickness record. If anything being exposed to pathogens on a regular basis strengthens our immune system.

Their choice, which I respect. Someone wearing a mask poses no danger to me, so if they want to wear one they can. Someone who needs it to be removed can simply ask for that, and I'd hope that was respected, though asking for it to be removed simply because you don't like it is inconsiderate, one wouldn't ask them to remove their hat because the colour offended, say.

 

[yorkie]

I think that's fair, the worker will still be protected while speaking to most of their patients.

The idea that "protection" is needed for workers is absurd.

You're talking to your doctor. They've got a computer in front of them showing them everything confidential there is to know about your healthcare, including any diagnosed disabilities. Thus pretty much nothing you tell them is going to be a surprise.

So you are only talking about doctors specifically doing this?

But let's not go down the alley of "I want special treatment for my disability but don't want to tell them I have a disability nor request that special treatment", as that is just plain silly - but it comes up here surprisingly often, normally when the RUK Standard Minority is wheeled out.

I'm not saying that; not being able to hear someone clearly if you cannot read their lips is - to varying degrees - not unexpected, depending on the quality of the persons hearing, background noise and other factors. It's not necessarily about a "disability"; indeed around 20% of the global population have some sort of hearing loss.

Their choice, which I respect. Someone wearing a mask poses no danger to me, so if they want to wear one they can.

It's not necessarily about "danger"

Someone who needs it to be removed can simply ask for that, and I'd hope that was respected, though asking for it to be removed simply because you don't like it is inconsiderate, one wouldn't ask them to remove their hat because the colour offended, say.

That's an absolute classic example of false equivalence fallacy. This sort of post only serves to undermine the credibility of the rest of your post.

 

[Bletchleyite]

The idea that "protection" is needed for workers is absurd.

Is it absurd that someone working with asbestos wears a mask?

If not, then it's absurd to suggest that someone who works with people who have infectious diseases might not also want to wear a mask.

So you are only talking about doctors specifically doing this?

Doctors and nurses, both of which can access your record. OK. there's the receptionist, but they're often behind glass anyway, depending on the surgery/hospital.

I'm not saying that; not being able to hear someone clearly if you cannot read their lips is - to varying degrees - not unexpected, depending on the quality of the persons hearing, background noise and other factors. It's not necessarily about a "disability"; indeed around 20% of the global population have some sort of hearing loss.

Then you politely ask that the mask is removed, and they remove it, and that's fine. It would be a problem if you had to say why, but as long as you don't there's no problem.

 

[yorkie]

Is it absurd that someone working with asbestos wears a mask?

If not, then it's absurd to suggest that someone who works with people who have infectious diseases might not also want to wear a mask.

It's not the same thing; we cannot generate immunity to asbestos!

We genuinely can prevent the effects of asbestos inhalation, while we cannot eliminate common viruses from circulating.

We have the ability to protect ourselves against viruses through a combination of vaccines and natural exposure.

This is yet another example of a false equivalence fallacy.

Doctors and nurses, both of which can access your record. OK. there's the receptionist, but they're often behind glass anyway, depending on the surgery/hospital.

Have you ever worked in a hospital? (I have by the way and I am did none of those jobs!)

Then you politely ask that the mask is removed, and they remove it, and that's fine. It would be a problem if you had to say why, but as long as you don't there's no problem.

A respectful and observant professional wouldn't have to be asked.

 

[brad465]

This has probably been asked/mentioned multiple times already, but are there any GPs who've actually resumed an online appointment booking service? Since covid I've been registered at 2 different practices, and changed practice earlier this year. The 2nd one, despite being after covid dominated the news/life and being in a completely different region, also doesn't allow online appointment booking at the moment, it all has to be booked by telephone. While I hope that telephone appointments don't become the norm (not that I'm holding my breath), surely booking a telephone appointment online is possible and would save work for the receptionists.

 

[Bletchleyite]

This has probably been asked/mentioned multiple times already, but are there any GPs who've actually resumed an online appointment booking service? Since covid I've been registered at 2 different practices, and changed practice earlier this year. The 2nd one, despite being after covid dominated the news/life and being in a completely different region, also doesn't allow online appointment booking at the moment, it all has to be booked by telephone. While I hope that telephone appointments don't become the norm (not that I'm holding my breath), surely booking a telephone appointment online is possible and would save work for the receptionists.

Mine does if you can find one, but there aren't (and never were) many bookable appointments of any kind released.

 

[duncanp]

This has probably been asked/mentioned multiple times already, but are there any GPs who've actually resumed an online appointment booking service? Since covid I've been registered at 2 different practices, and changed practice earlier this year. The 2nd one, despite being after covid dominated the news/life and being in a completely different region, also doesn't allow online appointment booking at the moment, it all has to be booked by telephone. While I hope that telephone appointments don't become the norm (not that I'm holding my breath), surely booking a telephone appointment online is possible and would save work for the receptionists.

My GP has resumed online booking, with the choice of a telephone appointment or face to face in the surgery.

They upload a tranche of appointments every day first thing in the morning, so provided you are reasonably quick, you can always get an appointment the same day, or within a few days at the most.

There really is no reason why a surgery cannot allow online appointment booking, with a choice of what appointment type you want. It would ease the load on the receptionists, and you could always withhold a few appointments from the online booking system, for those that don't have online access, or who need an emergency appointment.

 

[MikeWM]

Working with a power sander doesn't require empathy towards the wall or the asbestos, so it's a no brainier to wear a mask.

As someone who has in the past been in hospital in a lot of pain, fortunately quite some time ago now, I think this is a vitally important point. Seeing a friendly smile or a sympathetic expression makes a big, big difference.

Equally, if a doctor is explaining bad news to you. (Probably you're less bothered if it is good news!)

--

This has probably been asked/mentioned multiple times already, but are there any GPs who've actually resumed an online appointment booking service?

Mine hasn't, which is rather annoying as it was very useful. Even more irritating is that they also haven't re-enabled the facility to check on upcoming appointments, so you have to rely on remembering and/or text messages that they (sometimes, but not always) send.

 

[Bald Rick]

I'm sorry but that is quite ridiculous; if their life is in that much danger they shouldn't even be out. A mask is not going to help there.

There are some cases where it is needed though.

I have a good friend mid way through some particularly aggressive Chemotherapy. She has to travel into central London at least twice a week, and is very vulnerable to infection (her immune response is very weak at present). For the last 2 months the only reason she has left her house is to travel to the hospital for the chemo and tests. She has to use public transport, and is therefore trying to travel at quiet times, nevertheless she is wearing an FFP3 mask, as this reduces the risk of her catching an infection - which in her current state could be fatal.

 

[Bletchleyite]

There are some cases where it is needed though.

I have a good friend mid way through some particularly aggressive Chemotherapy. She has t9 travel into central London at least twice a week, and is very vulnerable to infection (her immune response is very weak at present). For the last 2 months the only reason she has left her house is to travel to the hospital for the chemo and tests. She has to use public transport, and is therefore trying at travel at quiet times, nevertheless she is wearing an FFP3 mask, as this reduces the risk of her catching an infection - which in her current state could be fatal.

It's also rather stupid to say someone shouldn't be out when a piece of PPE enables them to be out safely. What would that poster say next, that people shouldn't be out when it's sunny rather than wearing suncream and a hat?

I know some people don't like seeing people in masks, but that's, bluntly, a "them problem". People are entitled to wear what they like in public, provided it's not insufficient to comply with laws of decency.

 

[PaulC1309]

Use of correctly fitted FFP3 masks proven scientifically to provide protection by individuals at high risk desiring that protection is, yes. Zealotry in either direction isn't good.

I'd not sand down my walls or work with asbestos without an FFP2 mask (the particles are bigger so FFP3 isn't needed) and goggles. It's just PPE, nothing to be hung up on.

Many will choose not to, and that's fine too.

Erm nope, working with asbestos requires as FFP3 mask.

 

[Richard Scott]

There are some cases where it is needed though.

I have a good friend mid way through some particularly aggressive Chemotherapy. She has to travel into central London at least twice a week, and is very vulnerable to infection (her immune response is very weak at present). For the last 2 months the only reason she has left her house is to travel to the hospital for the chemo and tests. She has to use public transport, and is therefore trying to travel at quiet times, nevertheless she is wearing an FFP3 mask, as this reduces the risk of her catching an infection - which in her current state could be fatal.

I understand her wearing an FFP3 mask but we were on about other people wearing them as some people still scared.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I understand her wearing an FFP3 mask but we were on about other people wearing them as some people still scared.

It is entirely up to any given individual if they wear a mask or not (and if working to their employer, or if in someone else's premises to them too). Others don't have to like it.

 

[Bald Rick]

I understand her wearing an FFP3 mask but we were on about other people wearing them as some people still scared.

No, ‘we’ weren’t. You were responding to this comment:

But for some the lack of a mask is a danger to their life. For them it is not just about feeling insecure it is danger.

My friend falls into that category. Your response was:

I'm sorry but that is quite ridiculous; if their life is in that much danger they shouldn't even be out. A mask is not going to help there.

Let’s be clear, her life is in danger if she doesn’t get to hospital and receive treatment. Her life is also in danger, immediately, if she catches an infection. Therefore she wears a mask on her way to receive that treatment, and the mask does help out by reducing, but not eliminating, the risk. Knowing her (she’s a medical scientist), she would have worn one in her position even if Covid hadn’t happened.

Therefore it is reasonable to assume that some people need to wear masks. You might not like it, you might even be angry or offended by it, but I suggest that you respect that for some people it is literally a matter of life or death. And unless you want to go around asking everyone with a mask what their precise position is, I suggest you accept that it is possible that they may need to wear one.

 

[bahnause]

I still see people wearing masks in switzerland. I know some of them and therefore I also know their reasons. These are mostly health reasons, be it one's own or those of people living in the household. Many of these people are in contact with customers. However, that does not take away their right to wear a mask. The employer also supports this right, also due to the legal requirements for protecting employees. At the same time, the employer is happy about healthy employees, because long covid is noticeable in a large corporation like ours.

 

[Richard Scott]

No, ‘we’ weren’t. You were responding to this comment:




My friend falls into that category. Your response was:



Let’s be clear, her life is in danger if she doesn’t get to hospital and receive treatment. Her life is also in danger, immediately, if she catches an infection. Therefore she wears a mask on her way to receive that treatment, and the mask does help out by reducing, but not eliminating, the risk. Knowing her (she’s a medical scientist), she would have worn one in her position even if Covid hadn’t happened.

Therefore it is reasonable to assume that some people need to wear masks. You might not like it, you might even be angry or offended by it, but I suggest that you respect that for some people it is literally a matter of life or death. And unless you want to go around asking everyone with a mask what their precise position is, I suggest you accept that it is possible that they may need to wear one.

My response was based on other people wearing them to protect said people, perhaps I misread the post.

 

[Crossover]

This has probably been asked/mentioned multiple times already, but are there any GPs who've actually resumed an online appointment booking service? Since covid I've been registered at 2 different practices, and changed practice earlier this year. The 2nd one, despite being after covid dominated the news/life and being in a completely different region, also doesn't allow online appointment booking at the moment, it all has to be booked by telephone. While I hope that telephone appointments don't become the norm (not that I'm holding my breath), surely booking a telephone appointment online is possible and would save work for the receptionists.

We can online book telephone triage appointments online (about a week hence) but to see a doctor in person requires a phone call

 

[Mikw]

Really? We're over that now. A clutching at straws statement there.

You think? I volunteer for the NHS and a fair chunk of patients are not over it yet. They're already in poor health.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Jul 2023 ==

That’ll be the one!



Me neither, but we were among the “dissenters” last time so that’s no surprise really.



But should we be pandering to such neurotic tendencies?

Apologies (genuinely) if that sounds disparaging; I don’t blame the individuals, and if the government hadn’t acted so irresponsibly those people probably wouldn’t need reassurance at this stage.

It's perception i think. Where i volunteer there's some people who won't even come in to see the doctor. It's personal choice whether the staff wear them or not. Some do for some patients. Most don't. It doesn't cost anything. Not everyone is the same.

 

[Peter Sarf]

I'm sorry but that is quite ridiculous; if their life is in that much danger they shouldn't even be out. A mask is not going to help there.

That is a shame. How can we expect people to lock themselves up at home just because they want to wear a mask. We cannot deny freedom of movement to people who are in fear of infection. They might have medical reasons meaning there is a need to be careful. For some people it is imperative that they protect their health. For them it is not about uneasy feelings instead it is about their freedoms - and a mask is not exactly an enormous imposition on the rest of us.

That's far too simplistic.

Many people rely, at least partially, on visual clues (including lip-reading to some extent) when understanding communication, which can be hampered by the wearing of masks.

Those who choose to wear masks at a workplace must respect the right of the customer (passenger, patient, whatever) to be be able to understand them and not be inhibited; if anyone is showing any signs of not being able to fully understand the mask wearer, the masker should remove their mask immediately.

It's not acceptable for people such as healthcare professions to act in a manner that makes them less easily understood.

Remember not all disabilities or difficulties experienced by people are visual and not everyone who experiences difficulties wants to divulge this.

As for not wanting to be ill while being near ill people, I think you are massively exaggerating this. I have worked in settings that have regularly involved working with people who are ill, coughing or whatever and yet have an excellent sickness record. If anything being exposed to pathogens on a regular basis strengthens our immune system.

If you want to reduce the likelihood of getting ill, you'd be far better off making changes in terms of diet, exercise etc which are far beyond the scope of this thread.


Agreed.

Yep, spot on.

No it isn't.

Perceived danger is not the same as actual danger.

During the lockdowns it will have been due to reduced mixing; after lockdowns had ended but during the time of the "pingdemic", it was perhaps due to viral interference and Sars-Cov-2 being dominant over other pathogens. Later on, there was actually a resurgence of other viruses, including RSV and influenza both of which did cause hospitals problems for a time.

Not more of this public transport bashing, please! Don't believe everything you read in the sensationalist media!

Many people who do ordinary working jobs do have to go into work daily. Those who are lucky enough not to do that should be grateful for those who do have to do these important jobs, such as practical jobs, customer-focused jobs etc. I don't think it's right people should gloat about it and there is a risk that posts of the wording above could come across that way, even if not intended.

I think we have to agree to disagree on the effectiveness of masks. But for some a mask is an inconvenience/intrusion BUT for others it is a reassurance or actually medically important.

Can you imagine us arguing over this before Covid ?. Covid has brought many issues with it that will hang around for a generation. If we compare to previous pandemics we think we know more than we did then. Do we ?. I think we should do. BUT a big difference compared to Spanish flu was that hundreds of thousands of healthy people were getting blown to bits in the trenches around the same time. My point is that the Spanis flu pandemic was put into context by the human race fighting anyway. The Covid 19 pandemic is rather more obvious as there are no surrounding issues to water it down (apart from Putin's war in Ukraine). Oh what a cosy world we live in these days !.

There are some cases where it is needed though.

I have a good friend mid way through some particularly aggressive Chemotherapy. She has to travel into central London at least twice a week, and is very vulnerable to infection (her immune response is very weak at present). For the last 2 months the only reason she has left her house is to travel to the hospital for the chemo and tests. She has to use public transport, and is therefore trying to travel at quiet times, nevertheless she is wearing an FFP3 mask, as this reduces the risk of her catching an infection - which in her current state could be fatal.

This is the sort of thing where I would never blame someone for taking as many precautions as possible.