Relaxation of Restrictions, Part XII *Read OP For Mod Warnings*

No unless you get to the pub by public transport, yes - within reason, yes

I see Northern Ireland are removing the 2m social distancing requirements in retail and hospitality from Thursday. Mask wearing will still be required but vaccine passes will only be advisory.

Anyone that judges others for their decision to wear a mask in low-risk environments is a muppet.

I fully respect the right for anybody to wear a mask anywhere they want to.

I also think people wearing masks while running in a big empty field are idiots.

Whether they are bigger idiots than those wearing a mask on their own in a car is a matter for debate.

I most certainly would never stop anybody doing it though, it is their choice.

It's not being removed for hospitality on Thursday.

If pretty much everyone is vaccinated now shouldn't we remove the law that masks are required in retail. If you want to wear a mask to feel protected that is your right but it should also be your right to not wear a mask once your vaccinated.

I hate wearing one I've bad anxiety as is and these don't help. The ironic thing is, I can't tolerate a large shopping trip so I've to make more frequent smaller trips, this increasing my social contacts indoors.

Honestly, the people who get all agitated about others wearing masks have deep problems of their own that they should be looking at.

Just to be clear, there is something wrong with you that you need to figure out yourself if someone wearing a facemask triggers you in any way. If it's anxiety, that is your issue to deal with, not others.

What someone else wears is of no concern to most people, whether it's a political thing, some sort of phobia, or whatever, it's your own thing to deal with.

Personally, I'll be happy to drop the masks and I don't wear them outside, but I don't get all twisted or judgey about people I see wearing them, and will often forget that I'm wearing one so could be wearing it while driving for a few minutes before I realise.

From a science standpoint, they work, that is unequivocal and cannot be argued with, so you're only arguing because of your own issues, deeply rooted or not.

She could have tested positive and worn mask to protect others. Or could have some autoimmune condition so be waiting for her third jab.

@Nyero wrote:

These aren't universal truths though. Online shopping may not be available to everyone, and online shopping won't bring you an urgent bag of nappies at 9 o'clock at night. Your cafe example, is a different one. That's someone with needs outside of the ordinary. Everyone needs access to shops. It's why shops were the thing which were open throughout the pandemic and weren't pushed back to delivery-only.

Not necessarily disagreeing here. Like I say, I'm not getting into the necessity of it, just the rationale. Retail is essential. People cannot choose to avoid it. Unlike virtually everything else.

I see his point, I live in Spain and it's like a cult here, 95% of people still fully masked up outside, now normally I wouldn't care what others do - but here the issue is these people will just make the whole mandate last longer as the govt. will see people like doing it anyway, so they'll keep the mandate going, I mean fans have to wear them at the camp Nou ffs!!