People remain ignorant of how to use face coverings for Mask-up Friday
sir – As Mask-up Friday approaches, my wife, a former control of infection ward sister, becomes increasingly frustrated by the lack of information available about how to place, wear and dispose of face coverings.
Having seen the way people in shops, and in the public eye on television, are wearing theirs incorrectly, she wishes that the Government would put out public service broadcasts to demonstrate correct methods. This could save lives.
Sqn Ldr David Higginbottom (retd)
Bramhall, Cheshire
sir – From Friday, everyone entering the supermarket will have to wear face coverings – but not the staff. What is the science behind that?
Gael-anne Morgan
Surbiton, Surrey
sir – With the coming obligation to wear a face covering in shops, I tried with a John Wayne handkerchief but still got into a complete panic.
At my convent school in the Forties the school dentist appeared every term. One was used to living with boils and chilblains, but the dentist would put a black gas mask over your face to extract a tooth. Then back to lessons. No painkillers.
I have happily managed lockdown with visits to local shops, and calls from friends and family. Next week, I have managed to get a supermarket slot for an enormous delivery. I shall be in a second lockdown – just because I cannot wear a mask.
Sally Dubuis
Wareham, Dorset
sir – As a couple turning 70, we have supported our local economy during lockdown, buying from excellent farm shops and visiting the village food stores and recently opened retailers.
The wearing of masks by customers has been the exception rather than the rule. However, as the infection rate in Hampshire falls dramatically, we are suddenly to be forced to wear masks to go shopping after all this time. This seems ridiculous, and will do nothing for visits to the high street. We can shop online without a clammy piece of cloth sticking to our faces.
Ian and Judy Goddard
Wickham, Hampshire
sir – Dr Sarah Pape (Letters, July 21) must have the right sort of nose. None of the three different masks I have tried prevent my glasses from steaming up when I exhale.
Hugh Bebb
Sunbury-on-thames Middlesex
sir – As an NHS doctor I always wear a mask, as recommended by the Royal College of General Practitioners (an ordinary disposable one, not a fancy N95 mask), when seeing patients and when shopping.
There is evidence that, although these masks are not perfect, they do reduce transmission and help lessen the viral load. Taking in small amounts of the virus probably means that if you get the disease it is less serious.
Dr Alan Walters
Ludlow, Shropshire