My ‘mask affinity’ has served me well

THE ending of the legal requirement to wear face coverings in Wales should not stop people from choosing to continue to wear them.

I think it has been a sensible measure and when we have reliable data published, we can then decide if it was also an effective measure.

If it has shown to be an effective measure, then it may be prudent to recommend wearing masks during the winter months when the NHS has peak demand for beds.

The measures implemented by the Welsh Government during the pandemic have also educated people on how to stay safe and reduce infection rate and spread. It was not surprising for me to see some of those choosing not to wear a mask coughing and spluttering and allowing their children to maul food while out shopping.

During this pandemic, I have developed a kind of “mask affinity” and use it for all sorts of situations when I want to protect my breathing. For example, when walking the streets of the capital it helps filter some of the vehicle exhaust emissions, especially during the rush hours.

I also use it to try to dampen the pungent smell of cannabis coming from all sorts of places such as building sites, traffic, bus passengers and numerous households. I sometimes need to wear a mask indoors as the windows do not seem to keep out the smoke of woodburners which fill the air in tightly packed communities.

Then there is November 5, or should I say fill the air with noise and smoke and petrify animal week. On occasions I think I have been transported back in time to the great smog of London.

If you want to breathe cleanish air, then run to them there hills or head for the coast as it is at a premium in Cardiff. Just waiting for someone to design and develop an effective multipurpose mask which can protect our health. Where is Zorro when you need him?

Bob Jenkins Cardiff