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

It's mad to think that almost 2 years in some still don't know how to wear masks properly, a baby can walk within it's first year of life but covering a nose is too difficult for some

I had a lad in a local supermarket yelling at me before Christmas in a case of mistaken identity, mask down by his chin. He came up to me afterwards to apologize, mask still down by his chin, felt like asking why he wears it at all if you can't wear it like an adult?

This latest batch of models has been reasonably OK. They've been right on cases, with hospitals at around their optimistic model. They've also suggested we are at or near the peak of this. Where they fell down completely was on ICU; no bad thing really.

So a mask is useful if within a couple of meters of someone then?

Maybe it's not, do your own research, I'm sure the results you cherry pick to use will be revealing :) edit: and post them on the mask thread

(This study found the filtration between cloth and surgical was about equal, so in this case, I was wrong, it's 100%, for example, but it will depend on quality of the masks and other papers and studies show differing amount of effect, one thing they all agree on is that they do have an effect and aren't just to annoy the perma-outraged "COVID-Theatre" geeks: Why We Need to Upgrade Our Face Masks--and Where to Get Them - Scientific American)

You don't need winky faces, I've said several times that I closed my old account and made a new one with a less important email address when Boards moved their data overseas.

"Do your own research" is not an answer to someone asking you for a source to back up what you're saying, when you've stated with such absolute authority that "the science is pretty clear on masks".

And poisoning the well with pre-loaded assumptions about which studies I'll choose versus "what I want the narrative to be" is not conducive to any sort of discussion. I have done "a bit of my own research". I'm asking you about yours.

@mods - the enforced wearing of masks is a restriction, and the effectiveness of them is relevant to discussion about whether or not that particular restriction should be relaxed. Why is that considered out of scope for the "relaxation of restrictions" thread?

I'm fine with it being one of the last things to go. Like you say in close quarters it can help with droplets. So public transportation and moving around tight spaces it probably helps.

What are the gdpr implications?

Who is that Styo Speedman gobshite on Twitter?

I'm primarily curious about how this is actually going to work . I'm open to correction, but it would seem government essentially going to be completely reliant on people uploading information on Antigen test results (I can not see people doing this), the question I raise re GDPR and again, I'm open to correction, people testing positive now expected to upload this information also, which seem very questionable. Let's assume I work with someone, they go and do an antigen test , test positive, the following are likely conclusions.

A. They tell no one, Do nothing and carry on.

B. They upload the test to HSE and upload my details as a close contact and don't say a thing to me or colleagues.

C. They do follow these new guidelines and tell colleagues that are potential close contacts, that still doent make it right , 3rd parties details being uploaded to the HSE website is extraordinary, infact, I'll go further , as government seem now to be telling close contacts that are boosted they need do nothing, why are their details being requested to be uploaded.

Ultimately sharing any persons details in such a manner raises in my mind, serious questions.

GP's also asking earlier how are they to verify antigen results if asked for certificates or letters for a host of things, travel, social welfare etc