UnHerd ➤ The latest Covid-19 ruling could permanently affect our social relations.

By Paul Embery 
 Let me say at the outset that I am not ‘anti-mask’. I accept there may be some highly exceptional circumstances in which it may be legitimate for a government to compel citizens to wear face masks in public spaces. And, in such a scenario, it would not be unreasonable to expect the public to co-operate.

But I am far from convinced that the law requiring shoppers in England to mask up, which comes into effect next week, is rational or justified.

There is no scientific consensus on the efficacy of masks in the battle to suppress Covid-19. Some experts believe they do more harm than good. Until very recently, the Government’s own medical advisers were telling us that masks were of little use.

Continue reading @ UnHerd.

The Misguided Mission To Mask Us

UnHerd ➤ The latest Covid-19 ruling could permanently affect our social relations.

By Paul Embery 
 Let me say at the outset that I am not ‘anti-mask’. I accept there may be some highly exceptional circumstances in which it may be legitimate for a government to compel citizens to wear face masks in public spaces. And, in such a scenario, it would not be unreasonable to expect the public to co-operate.

But I am far from convinced that the law requiring shoppers in England to mask up, which comes into effect next week, is rational or justified.

There is no scientific consensus on the efficacy of masks in the battle to suppress Covid-19. Some experts believe they do more harm than good. Until very recently, the Government’s own medical advisers were telling us that masks were of little use.

Continue reading @ UnHerd.

8 comments:

  1. The maskholes have really got it bad; they can't even think.

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  2. The debate on masks will continue and no doubt become heated in some quarters.
    In the meantime, until I come across convincing evidence against them, I will wear one. I will wear it in the belief that it minimises somewhat the likelihood of transmission of the virus, as a declaration of social responsibility and also in solidarity with all the health care workers who have stood firm in the face of all the unknowns.

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  3. I think masks are transparent politicking. Governments are trying to justify the hysteria. Having said that if it makes shop workers etc comfortable I'll wear one. I've heard people saying it's authoritarian and an obedience test but I've a simple thought on that if you believe so don't wear one.

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    Replies
    1. Medical advice seems to suggest that wearing them does more good than harm. They can be very uncomfortable. I wear a Liverpool FC snood. Easier all round.
      I don't buy into the conspiracy theorists. It is easier to believe they are performing their own credulity test. There is a coercive element to it but I am not sure it is authoritarian. There is a coercive element to us having to stop at a traffic light on red. But nobody claims that is authoritarian. I think you are right - if that is how they feel don't wear one but at the same time don't expect to share the same space as others in shops or buses.
      I never wear them outside of shops.

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  4. It respect for me. If people in confined spaces feel more comfortable if I've got a mask on, then I'll wear one. Everything is a drama nowadays and everyone's revolutionary.
    I get it's an inconvenience but noncompliance with masks in Tesco hardly makes you Francis Hughes

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  5. It's amazing how commonsense is jettisoned in favour of a daft conspiracy theory. Base logic should tell you they'd be effective, and if you can't see why then you've much bigger issues in your life, one's that probably require adult supervision.

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  6. Steve,
    I don't think it's as straightforward as that. We've all done a little reading on viruses recently. They're basically protein shells whose whole genetic information is to find a host. There's plenty legitimate people who don't think masks will do much good, in fact, the people advocating then are on record saying as such.
    The thing for me is if you think it's authoritarian, surely there's better ways of protesting than intimidating at risk people on transport or in shops.

    ReplyDelete