@Eugene Comaskey: mask is for your mouth and nose. Unless he’s growing hair in those places, then he can wear a face shield. :-/

@Eugene Comaskey: face shield

@Eugene Comaskey: Does not need to be a mask – a face covering will do. Can easily put a bandanna or something over your mouth and nose. That is if you are looking for ways you can comply rather than reasons why you can’t!

@Hector Son: Wear it at home too. dont argue with yourself!

@Vladimir Macro: you are a ray of sunshine on a gloomy Monday morning.

@Eugene Comaskey: Over his face, like the rest of us.

@Eugene Comaskey: I do. Hot hard.

@Eugene Comaskey: get some one to feed you by catapult!

@Pat Patovic: can you wear a face visor ?

@Fr.Todd Unctious: Fines of E2,500 or up to Six Months in Jail, – just like not having a TV Licence,– But You can Rob and beat up an Old Persons home and get , What?.. — maybe suspended sentence ? More trash rules.

@Pat Patovic: I’ve bad asthma also and have been wearing the mask when in shops for months. I’ve had no problem with it and hasn’t aggregated my condition..maybe you’re wearing the wrong type of mask!

@Pat Patovic: wear a plastic visor, no need for stares,

@Pat Patovic: good for you! Me too as I have breathing difficulties

@Pat Patovic: but the head visor…i find it good…you can breathe under neath it…

@Mirabelle Stonegate: buy the head visor in local chemist…their good…cover your eyes..nose and mouth…

@Dave Collins:
Same here… They’re a bit uncomfortable but I put up with it.

@Pat Patovic: have you heard about online shopping or click and collect options?
Also what about using a Face Shield?

@Pat Patovic: then get a face shield.

@Pat Patovic: I can’t keep one on for more than a few mins

@Pat Patovic: wear a face shield so

@Fr.Todd Unctious: or people who only follow scientific facts

@Pat Patovic: be grateful that the majority can. They’re protecting you. Be careful. You’re high risk and the virus is still active.

@Pat Patovic: Would you be able to wear a visor instead, they’re much more comfortable and not nearly as claustrophobic.

@Pat Patovic: I too have asthma and I wear a face shield. I cannot tolerate a face mask.

@Mirabelle Stonegate: It’s awkward for a lot of people with allergies, all right. Have you tried a face shield? They’re transparent and might be easier to keep free of pollen. Antihistamines can help too. Also, the detergent used in washing masks – I find the non-bio own brands in Lidl or Aldi are great for sensitive skin.

@Dave Collins: Yeah there are different types of masks, different fabrics etc. I’ve found that the fabric of a shemag is very breathable, even layered up many times.

@BriP75: a ventilator is a bit more uncomfortable!

@Pat Patovic: Have fun dealing with asthma and Covid-19 together so buddy.

@Pat Patovic: if you can’t wear it at least do your best to protect others, face shield and be concious of people around you. Keep your distance and keep quiet as much as you can when there are people around. Dropplets are passed by talking, avoid talking when indoors will help and will be appreciated.

@Pat Patovic: such tripe.

@Mirabelle Stonegate: Masks do not make things worse.

@Logan Shepherd: I was so ugly as a kid my folks tied a pork chop around my neck to get the dog to play with me

@Joe Toner: My mother left the hospital 4 times before they finally convinced her to bring me with her ..

@Xanadu Marmalade: Wow .. ye had pork chops AND a dog ….

@Logan Shepherd:
ROFLMAO

@Joe Toner: It gets worse Joe. When I was 12 I realised I didn’t have a twin. Turns out they had shaved the dogs backside, and taught him how to walk backwards ….

@Joe Toner: one in 4 frogs is a leap frog

@Logan Shepherd:
On a more serious note…. We always knew when the Mother-in-law was coming to visit. The mice threw themselves on the traps..

@Joe Toner: :-)

@Joe Toner: that is so funny. Loved the banter between you and @Logan Shepard

@Christina Colling:
When the Mother-in-law trys to put on lipstick it jumps back into the tube. :-)

@Christina Colling: You’re way too pretty for this thread Christina.

@Conor Kennelly: Don’t argue with him, he’s one of those ‘woke’ people who know more than every Doctor, scientist govt etc combined

@Conor Kennelly: I’m beginning to understand human behaviour on this subject now…
The virus came out, and on one side we had gemma and co telling us it was a scam, and on the other side most politicians telling us it was the end of the world, so most of us decided to go with the politicians. One side or the other.
But as this ordeal has played it has proved not to be as deadly as promised, but because we picked the side that told us it was end of world, we have to tell ourselves we saved the world by social distancing, sanitizing, masks etc. Add to that the “war” propaganda, with tasty words like defeat and crush, eradicate, invisible enemy, etc etc.

@Conor Kennelly: Next thing you know you find yourself applauding economic sanctions, shouting at the others, pointing the finger and blaming the enemy of the people.
Sound like anyone we know? I’ll give you a clue…
Brexit, except this time you might be a brexiteer….

@dowthebow: Maybe it wasn’t the end of the world (yet) because people actually followed the advice/public health requirements? Can you maybe imagine what it would be like if we hadn’t? Doh!

@Conor Kennelly: any sign of non compliance its .. “oh you must be a conspiracy theorist” blah blah blah “trump” bla bla bla.. look at me im a champion virtue signaller

@Kevin Farrell: maybe Kevin, but did every country in europe follow the advice in the same way? Sweden, Italy, Germany, holland? We all have the same curve and nominally similar infection rates and death rates.
Would it have been like sweden? Wouldn’t have been so bad…
Also, I’m not saying we shouldn’t follow the guidelines, I’m saying maybe following the guidelines helped, but what saved the world is our immune systems.
But, proving my point, because I want to open discussion on the validity of these measures, you’ve put me in with Gemma and co.
Thanks for enforcing my original point

@GIFman: look at its tweets.

@dowthebow: I don’t recall anyone saying it was the end of the world. Max 10% of the population would die IIRC – a complete catastrophe, but hardly civilisation ending. And it has proven to be every bit as deadly as promised.

@Ryan1time: no – its not noncompliance that makes someone a conspiracy nut. Its being a conspiracy nut that makes someone a conspiracy nut. I watch the same youtube site as you – I can recognise when I’m being manipulated.

@Conor Kennelly: Conor, do you know where the term Conspiracy theorist came from??

@Deirdre O’Byrne: Let me get this straight, you’re actually telling us that 10% of the world population have died or will die. 700million people. Yet, even with inflated figures it’s around 500,000. So you’re out by 699.5million, and telling us it’s as deadly as predicted. My God

@Ollie Ryan: I’m far from woke. Lol

@Fergus Lynch: My pronouns are he/him, lol

@Deirdre O’Byrne: you’ll forgive me a little poetic license I hope…
There’s a far cry from 10% to 0.04%, and I wouldn’t attribute the difference to the social distancing that everyone is giving out about (not doing it properly).
And perhaps if we had more realistic expectations/forecasts to begin with, perhaps the strategy would have been much different?
For the record, I’ve been wearing a mask since March in places where it’s difficult to keep your distance, and will continue to do so, I just don’t agree with the mandating of it, and especially not now, when there are very few cases in the community

@GIFman: if you read what I wrote you will see that I used the abbreviation “max”, which stands for “maximum”. Apologies for not spelling it out.

Yes 700 million people were/are at risk of dying from this *if we did nothing*. The point is we didn’t do nothing. And we are still not doing nothing – we are, for instance, wearing face masks in shops!!!

@dowthebow: Yes there is a big difference between 10% and 0.04%. But given that pandemics have exponential growth curves, that’s not as big a difference as it seems when you are used to thinking in a linear way.

@Deirdre O’Byrne: my contention is that this pandemic didn’t have an exponential growth curve, never did, and never would have. In fact it has a similar curve in almost every country in the world, all with different advice and regulations.
As an engineer I’m fairly comfortable with exponential growth curves, and they very rarely apply to epidimiology.
If you use viral modelling software, you cannot get the curve to slow down in the way it has, using just the tools available to us (soc-dis, sanit, masks etc), they help to slow it down, but the curve does not go downwards until most of society is infected. You can very quickly get it using isolation, but given the asymptomatic nature of this, I don’t think that’s what happened…

@Deirdre O’Byrne: But models are just that, models. “No model is correct, but some models are useful”.
I don’t see myself changing anyone’s mind, my original post was about people picking a “team” and sticking with it no matter what. I was probably originally on the same team as you, but over time I’ve come to the conclusion that a more nuanced approach is required, and I think it’s worth discussion.
Like in politics, we all want the same thing in the end, we just believe there is different ways of getting there…

@dowthebow: well I followed the initial phase of growth of cases in Ireland, and it most definitely was exponential. And by the very nature of infection and transmission, an exponential growth is what will pretty much inevitably happen unless and until we intervene.

@Deirdre O’Byrne: I’m not here to prove you wrong, just hoping people can open up to the possibility that social distancing, masks etc didn’t have as much impact as we hoped, and that maybe we’ve done more damage to the economy than we needed too.
You’re not open to that possibility, so we could go around in circles all day.
On that note, I’ll bid you good day…

@dowthebow: you are not open to the probability that our actions were measured and had a massive impact. We would have hundreds of thousands of deaths in Ireland if we didn’t do what we did. And we may yet regret opening up too soon.

Do you have an alternative explanation for our flattened curve?

@Deirdre O’Byrne: I do, and I was in the same camp as you until recently, so I was very much open to the probability.
Let me ask one question, in a country that was reporting 60-70% community transmission, that social distancing and sanitizing made enough difference to save hundreds and thousands of lives and millions of cases? Really? You seem like a smart person, and this goes back to my original point about indoctrination.
My alternative explanation is simple, 80% of more of society is already immune to, and not spreading the virus, any further.

@dowthebow: Sweden on top 7 by death rate. Italy is extremely stringent after their death toll. There is also Czech Republic, had similar trajectory as us, started wearing mandatory masks in April now their numbers a third of ours. FOLLOW THE PUBLIC GUIDELINES IJITS!!!

@Lena Madden: Hi Lena, we’re having a civilized discussion and can do without the name-calling thanks. If anything it strengthens my original point.
I don’t take much stock in any of those numbers, if anything there so low that it’s difficult to use them to show anything. For example, Sweden’s death rate is .0057% of population, while ours is .0035%, statistically you can disregard the difference.
As for mask wearing, I’ve been wearing one since March, and if we had to make it mandatory, April was the time to be doing it, not now

@dowthebow: and where the hell are we supposed to get that immunity? You cannot get immunity to something you haven’t caught.

@Deirdre O’Byrne: there are several corona viruses, one or more of which might provide immunity. There was no cure for small pox either, but then there was cow pox, 25% of the world got the spanish flu, the elderly were saved because of immunity built up during a previous epidemic.
I can’t post links here but you can look up…

Bbc Coronavirus: Immunity may be more widespread than tests suggest

Biorxiv Different pattern of pre-existing SARS-COV-2 specific T cell immunity in SARS-recovered and uninfected individuals

I’ve deliberately selected “main stream” articles there so as not to scare you off. There is many more.
I’m not saying this is the answer, but it’s the only way I can make sense of the trajectories we’ve seen all over the world.

@Deirdre O’Byrne: you can also look at this to model the real impact social distancing and sanitization has on viral spread…
https://prajwalsouza.github.io/Experiments/Epidemic-Simulation.html

@Deirdre O’Byrne: You are absolutely deluded. Sorry to see you’ve been so b/washed

@dublinguide.ie: Be funny to see the cases going up after masks introduced.

The answer to this question will not even be asked.

That will tell you everything you need to know about the virus.

@Vladimir Macro: Your statements tell us everything we need to know about you that’s for sure. I did think about trying to explain cause and correlation to you, but you’re a closed vacant mind and I’d be wasting my time.

@dublinguide.ie: Agreed 5 Months too late.

Health: ask a medic when you get the virus.
Safety: ask an engineer to avoid getting the virus …. wear a mask.

Surgical mask to help prevent others getting the virus from you.
N95 (FFP2 EU equivalent) mask to help prevent YOU and others getting the virus
or well sealed 3 layer cotton mask with metal nose pinch.

@Vladimir Macro:
You think it’s funny if case numbers go up?
I’ve been watching your comments on here over the last few months, we all get that you think the virus is nothing serious and the restrictions and face masks aren’t necessary.
Unfortunately there’s many people out there like you, and if and when the virus affects you or anyone close to you, only then will you realise the consequences of it.
I personally know 2 people who’ve died after being infected, one was a healthy 32 year old.
All you’re being asked to do is wear a mask to stop the spread and to prevent further unnecessary deaths.

@Ciara Louise Dee: anyone who has an illness that makes it impossible to wear a mask, should most likely be cocooning for their own protection. I have asthma, and find them uncomfortable to wear, but I’ve been wearing them for months. The inconvenience and my slight discomfort does not outweigh the possibility of passing on a virus that could be fatal to another person. If it’s too much for anyone to wear a mask, then they should remain in their home until there is a vaccine available. Nobody’s comfort should supersede another person’s health or life.

@Carol C. is Social Distancing from You: I just left a supermarket were all customers had face masks on but some staff members didn’t.

@Ciara Louise Dee: anyone who can’t wear one needs a doctor’s letter stating that’s the case

@Michelle Corry #FBPE: Could you please tell us where in the law you could find this?

@Sean Whelan: yes I’ve had that in.dunnes but maybe from.today that its mandatory all staff and customers will have to wear them.

@Christina Colling: I’m talking about today Christina

@Craic_a_tower: there are definitely other face coverings, I wear a bandana but can only do so for a few minutes before spiralling into a panic attack. I can’t wear masks or the visors. But I am trying. I’m practicing at home and trying my best. It’s not extremely rare. Just trying to get people to realise not everyone can do it and it doesn’t mean it’s an excuse, it can be a valid reason.

@Craic_a_tower: and your right they can’t fire people but if I can’t get past this then I won’t be able to work when my place of work reopens and may have to leave. This is the case for others too.

@Paula: for physical illnesses yes but what about people with mental disabilities. PTSD, CPTSD, Panic attacks, anxiety attacks, sever claustrophobia. Things like that. It’s not feesable for some people to stay at home. This can also lead to further mental strife and someone could end up becoming suicidal if forced to stay home constantly because of their mental illness.

@Ciara Louise Dee: I sympathise with people in that position, and hope they have MH supports they need. But as the situation is, society has to come together and protect the whole, not just an individual. I cocooned myself for about two months, and I understand how difficult it is, but there’s online shopping or friends / family that could perhaps help out in that regard. Also if anxiety is that bad, is I’d imagine that qualifies for a disability payment. As harsh as it sounds, you can’t just consider yourself in this. If you can’t wear a mask, then you should not go into shops or take public transport. You discomfort does not trump another person’s life or well being.

@Ciara Louise Dee: so you don’t know anybody who lost their job? You can’t wear a clear visor? Can you look out a window? You don’t have to go to the shop as the shops deliver and there is also HSE aid. I could believe you but as you are making obstacles and saying something that hasn’t happened I cannot find you truthful. There are also people making these claims when not suffering in anyway. It is extremely rare to have a medical condition you can’t use a covering and have to go personally to the shop. I know exactly what it is like to have a panic attack and know it isn’t pleasant but when I see a woman with a tight mask on below her nose claiming to be claustrophobic I know it is BS. If you have anxiety over wearing face mask a bandana would be worse

@Paula: note she also doesn’t seem concerned about the anxiety she could cause on other people by not wearing a mask around them. I would imagine somebody with anxiety would be bothered by people looking at them or commenting on not wearing a mask. That is a special kind of anxiety disorder.

@Ciara Louise Dee: Did you hear about this amazing invention call the internet? You can do your grocery shop online and get this, it will be delivered straight to your front fckindoor!!! Oh my god, what in the fresh hell I hear you say? YES! Its true, you don’t even have to leave your fckinhouse. AMAZING, isn’t it?

@Craic_a_tower: indeed. And as someone who has had mild anxiety in the past, there doesn’t seem to be any anxiety for actually catching the virus herself and passing it on to her own loved ones. I suspect a touch of the YouTube conspiracy theory is a foot, along large dose of self absorbed ar5ehole-avitous!

@Paula: We live in a society that balances the rights/protection of the whole with the rights/protection of the individual.

The law on face covers does exactly that. Some people are exempt from wearing them.

You don’t have to like or agree with it. But that’s what it’s.

@Tony Garcia: and my point is someone with a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask, therefore making them exempt, is mostly likely someone with a serious condition, and they would most likely be cocooning as it is. Made up conditions, or exaggerated lies about relatively non serious conditions, to circumvent public health measures because someone doesn’t like wearing masks or that those that believe conspiracy theories, should be called out and not tolerated. One’s discomfort does not supersede another’s health. If you don’t want to wear a mask, don’t go into shops and others businesses or take public transport.

@Paula: You have a good point there, I’m no going to deny it.

Maybe you should write your concerns to the Department of Health. They might take that into consideration and change the law.

Until then, unfortunately, there is really nothing you can do about it.

@Tony Garcia: I don’t take advice from misogynistic, racist MAGA gammons so you can jog on Tony petal

@Paula: Thanks, have a nice day you too…

@Craic_a_tower: you may not find me truthful but I am. I get like that in cars too with windows yes sometimes, and can’t have anything that close to my face. Can’t even put my head under that blanket for more than a few seconds. It’s because of a car crash. Don’t believe me. Google it with my name. A bandana isn’t worse because it doesn’t fall in on my mouth when I breathe like a mask does and it’s light material. I practice with my mask every day so I can work through things. Look, i know I’m lucky I have people to go to the shops for me and I live close enough to then for deliveries, but I just want people to be less hateful toward people.

@Ciara Louise Dee: of at this stage you have to make the point that some people can’t wear masks…. jaysus, catch up

@Ciara Louise Dee: of at this stage you have to make the point that some people can’t wear masks…. jaysus, catch up

@Paula: I spent weeks inside not going to the shop because of this. I stopped seeing people, my family. Had to go back on meds. Terrified about getting it and more terrified about having it inknowinglt and spreading it. I’ve lost family to this virus. Yes I am lucky enough to be able to to shop online, I live in a built up area with local shops that deliver too but not everyone has those luxuries. I’m just trying to get people to stop being so hateful and judgemental and in these already tough times. I get that people are using this reason even if they don’t have a reason too and that’s wrong and it’s hard to tell who is genuine and who is not.

@Sean Whelan: were the staff behind a till?

@Craic_a_tower: look I completely understand what everyone is saying and I agree that the majority of people going around not wearing them have no reason not to wear them and that those that can’t should use internet shopping, those that can’t do that should be getting help from elsewhere, community or otherwise but I just hate seeing all this aggression and hate toward people. Some deserve it, others don’t.

@Ciara Louise Dee: then don’t make exagerations, excuses and any other impossibilities that are easily dealt with. You have no need to go to the shops and cause other people anexity. You have your own problems and people are willing to help but you are not suggesting responsibility. You brink on anger to yourself by being selfish.

@Luke: my understanding is cinema’s still operating a distanced seating policy so no need to wear it in the screen as they will block off seats to keep the 2m between customers

@Captain Hindsight: oh really
Well that’s not so bad then