DelayRepay
Established Member
- Joined
- 21 May 2011
- Messages
- 2,929
It's really a question of what measures are proportionate.I fully agree. which is why I would like to see life getting back to some form of normality (all be it a friendly, more considerate normal than 2019). However I have no problem with the idea of masks being retained in places where some people have no option to choose to avoid. Mainly essential shops and public transport, it is what I will choose to do, mask mandate or no mask mandate.
I do not wish to wear a mask and I will not wear one from next Monday. I have worn one until now because I am not excempt.
If I genuinely believed that wearing a mask would save someone else's life, I would wear one. I think that applies to most decent people, including a lot who would find wearing a mask difficult and would be entitled to claim exceptions.
So, for those who think masks are necessary, please show the scientific evidence that shows how effective they are. We talk a lot about the effectiveness of vaccines, so where is the equivalent data for masks?
Regarding the comparison to cars - we mandate seat belts because there is evidence that they provide significant risk mitigation, and are proportionate. We do not mandate a blanket 10mph speed limit because it would not be proportionate. In terms of Covid mitigation, we encourage vaccination because it's proven to mitigate risk. If we wish to encourage or even mandate mask wearing, there needs to be a similar level of proof. (I was slightly more sympathetic when masks were first introduced, but a year later there has been plenty of time to run research and collect evidence).