Your experience with "face coverings"

[greenheart]

Hi. I'm avoiding shops and public transport, although I have a holiday booked and will need to go into a tourist info centre to pick up a ticket for a ferry and then get on, otherwise no holiday.

 

What's your experience so far? Have you refused, what were the consequences and how did it feel? Are there any renegade shop-keepers out there, or maybe some who pay lip service and just let you in?

 

And is it just me, or do I sense fear in the eyes of those wearing masks?

[AndyJ]

We don't have the policy in Wales, only on public transport which I never use anyway. But my wife and I have cards in lanyards indicating medical exemption in case Wales does make the muzzles mandatory in shops here. Everyone should just buy one of those exemption cards from the Hidden Disabilities website, someone who works in retail or on transport has no legal right to probe customers about their health conditions and most companies wouldn't want to risk accusations of disability discrimination in these PC times. Aside from the occasional jobsworth twat I bet most shop assistants hate the mandatory mask mandate and I know most bosses are instructing staff not to confront anyone about why they're exempt. Police have also admitted this morning in mainstream media that they don't have the resources to enforce this and would only turn up to a call from a shop if someone was creating a genuine anti-social disorder incident. As for fear in the eyes of those wearing masks, absolutely. The party line is people wear them to be good citizens who are keeping everyone safe and it's selfish not to wear a mask. BULLSHIT. People wear them because they've swallowed the mainstream fear porn hook line and sinker and are terrified. I'd be more sympathetic with them but sadly so many get into that self policing bollocks and start wanting those of us who aren't living in fear to cater to their neurosis by also muzzling up and swerving everyone on pavements like they're biohazards. At that point they lose my sympathy and can fuck off.  

[Not Thoth]

According to the Mirror (obviously not the most reliable source), Sainsbury's won't be challenging those entering without a mask.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/sainsburys-issues-guidance-shoppers-ahead-22398112

[motleyhoo]

I had to wear a mask to get a haircut.  I avoided it for as long as possible, until my hair was down to my shoulders because I had not had a trim since December.   I tried to find a shop that did not require a mask and could not find one because social media and political correctness pressure is being used to force compliance.  Any shop that tries to do otherwise will get shredded on social media.

[Jack]

went to bookers today, approx 10% of staff and i would say 15-20% of customers  were wearing masks which made me feel at ease.

i did screen shot the exempt form on phone just in case, want challenged or asked.

Earleier this morning went in to a Mccolls and although not busy I was the only one not wearing a mask, although an elderly couple came in just a i was leaving the gentelman was putting on his mask whilst in the shop.

 

There was young couple who was in front of me striking up a converaatino with the assisitant and although i could hear the converation it was very muffled. MUMUMWUMWYA.

 

Guy serving me said he hated it was very hot etc.

 

A fair few people are skeptical of this and question why now?

Edited July 24, 2020 by Jack

[greenheart]

15 hours ago, Jack said:

went to bookers today, approx 10% of staff and i would say 15-20% of customers  were wearing masks which made me feel at ease.

i did screen shot the exempt form on phone just in case, want challenged or asked.

Earleier this morning went in to a Mccolls and although not busy I was the only one not wearing a mask, although an elderly couple came in just a i was leaving the gentelman was putting on his mask whilst in the shop.

You got away with it? Nice one.

[Captainlove]

I went to my local indoor market none of the traders were wearing masks and i wasnt wearing one and they were happy also paid with cash which is great i had no problems.

 

Then i went into a large surf store called annes cottage and the staff stopped and asked me did i have a mask, I said no and then said i was exempt and they were fine.

 

Most people wearing masks but some didnt care. Was very sad to see alot of young children under 10 being masked,one child was begging his parents to remove it but he wasnt allowed, very sad to see, I predict child trauma in the future.

[Grumpy Owl]

There's a local CostCutter convenience store just down the road from me, I went in there earlier this afternoon to get some beers and ciggies.

 

I've been going in there regularly for the last few months for bits and pieces, though I have used that shop ever since I moved to the area in August 2018.

 

I deliberately intended on walking in with no face covering, just to see "what would happen". I've built up a little rapport with the owner and staff there, so I was interested in what they might do.

 

Bold as brass, I just walked in, and smiled at the shopkeeper's missus. Nothing was said to me. There was a sign up on the outside window, and I did notice signs had been put up at the counter, about having to wear face coverings, presumably provided by CostCutter, though the store is independently owned and franchised presumably.

 

I asked for my cigarettes, and paid for my stuff. It was really sad that the shopkeeper was wearing some FFP mask as well as his assistant. In a way, I was almost relieved that they didn't ask me why I wasn't wearing a face covering, or refused me service.

 

As I walked out and headed back up the road towards home, I actually felt really sad. Sad because it had come to this. I last went in there on Thursday, when it was perfectly fine for customers and staff to not have to wear face coverings. But as if by magic, on 24th July, suddenly people 'weren't safe' anymore.

 

It's just utterly ridiculous. This is just totally 'unenforceable' because small shops don't have the resources to employ people to enforce these new regulations, and the resources of the police are stretched enough as it is. All one has to do if questioned about not wearing a mask is to say "I have an exemption", and that makes everything okay.

 

So what happens when you have more people "with exemptions" (genuine or not) than people who 'choose' to follow the guidelines and regulations and 'comply'?

 

If the police don't have the resources or manpower to enforce these new regulations, then we are surely in a situation where we are expecting the people to regulate themselves.

 

"The sheep herding themselves"

[SuperstarNeilC]

[HeartSpirit]

I tried to go to an outdoor (open air) market in the Canaries today,   It is held in a street square and you had to wear a mask and have your temperature taken before you were allowed in. Obviously I walked the other way, but how more ridiculous can they get. 

[sunshine1]

I have tried every facemask known to man.

I tired I really did.

 

Cloth, paper, scarf, N95 - alot of them.

 

Cant breathe in any of it and i suffer with anxiety so got one of those hidden disabilities lanyards with the mask exempt card in it.

 

I rang my docs and they said that they dont give out letters for mask exemption.

 

So I will see how long that I can use the lanyard for before businesses want documentation.

(I pray that doesnt happen. If it does then back to the docs.)

[2020member]

@greenheart my first experience today.

 

Went into a tesco superstore late at night (my preferred time when it's really quiet anyway). The shop was dead, maybe around 5 shoppers when there would normally be 200+ in the daytime. I got a few puzzled looks from staff as I walked in and a random shopper jogged past me with his shirt pulled up over his nose, like he'd just smelt a fart, and said something about a mask. I immediately took it as hostile and told him to put one on, but then he clarified himself and said he'd forgotten and was going to get one out of his car. 

 

I then carried on shopping and came across a very abrupt shelf stacker on the dairy aisle who told me I needed to be wearing one. I immediately threw it back at her and stated "have you ever heard of hidden disabilities?" this seemed to shut her up instantly as obviously she will have been shit scared about a discrimination complaint (play them at their own PC game). 

 

The rest of my shop was uncomfortable from then on, with the security guard walking past me around 3 times, but not having the bottle to say anything. The checkout was also very uncomfortable and the self check out staff just stood there gawping at me like I was an alien. 

 

I left feeling very downhearted and upset that we've got to this point as a race. I appreciate other people have had positive experiences, but this left me feeling a bit shook thinking to myself... is every shopping experience going to be a passive aggressive war with zombies.

 

From a spiritual point of view, I know what it's now like to have your land invaded by a foreign threat now. As that's what it felt like... being invaded by a hostile zombie mentality where you are the odd one out in your own country for simply not conforming.   

[Michi713]

On 7/24/2020 at 3:49 PM, motleyhoo said:

I had to wear a mask to get a haircut.  I avoided it for as long as possible, until my hair was down to my shoulders because I had not had a trim since December.   I tried to find a shop that did not require a mask and could not find one because social media and political correctness pressure is being used to force compliance.  Any shop that tries to do otherwise will get shredded on social media.

Okay it’s confession time.  I wore a mask to the hairstylist too!!  I’m a terrible pussy and I’m vain.  I’m no revolutionary I’m a vain pussy.  I signed up for my gun classes, I grew a garden, but I can’t be looking unkempt!  

Edited July 26, 2020 by Michi713

[mishy]

I went for a haircut on Thursday. Walked in the barbers and went to sit down to wait and the bloke gets a bit mad at me wanting to take my temperature. I told him in no uncertain terms to fuck off and walked out. He was like "where you going?" to which I replied while walking out the door, "somewhere that doesn't treat me like I've got the fucking plague".

 

As for shops, I've only been into a couple of petrol station shops (one a big Nisa) didn't wear a mask and didn't get asked. I have now ordered one of those disability matters cards which I will carry with me. But i am also temepted to wear a mask and just write 'HOAX' on it.

[greenheart]

18 hours ago, 2020member said:

@greenheart my first experience today.

 

Went into a tesco superstore late at night (my preferred time when it's really quiet anyway). The shop was dead, maybe around 5 shoppers when there would normally be 200+ in the daytime. I got a few puzzled looks from staff as I walked in and a random shopper jogged past me with his shirt pulled up over his nose, like he'd just smelt a fart, and said something about a mask. I immediately took it as hostile and told him to put one on, but then he clarified himself and said he'd forgotten and was going to get one out of his car. 

 

I then carried on shopping and came across a very abrupt shelf stacker on the dairy aisle who told me I needed to be wearing one. I immediately threw it back at her and stated "have you ever heard of hidden disabilities?" this seemed to shut her up instantly as obviously she will have been shit scared about a discrimination complaint (play them at their own PC game). 

 

The rest of my shop was uncomfortable from then on, with the security guard walking past me around 3 times, but not having the bottle to say anything. The checkout was also very uncomfortable and the self check out staff just stood there gawping at me like I was an alien. 

 

I left feeling very downhearted and upset that we've got to this point as a race. I appreciate other people have had positive experiences, but this left me feeling a bit shook thinking to myself... is every shopping experience going to be a passive aggressive war with zombies.

 

From a spiritual point of view, I know what it's now like to have your land invaded by a foreign threat now. As that's what it felt like... being invaded by a hostile zombie mentality where you are the odd one out in your own country for simply not conforming.   

 It looks like they're becoming fashionable. This does bring some hope however, since fashions come and go.

[Jaquiby]

2020 member I feel just like you, downhearted and sad that it's getting to the stage between the masked and unmasked, I wrote my experience on the uk supermarkets mask policy, thread. I was shaken after my experience although when I think of what some people go through its not much,   but im as soft as clarts a proper wimp, and it drained my energies standing up to them, i had a few crys when I got home. Thank God for this forum to know I'm not alone.

[greenheart]

I read your experience on the other thread. Thank you!

 

I've been thinking today: Should we lie that we are medically exempt (if we aren't) or just be honest and say "no"? Surely lying is a negative energy, and whilst it may be more comfortable at the time, it may be a missed opportunity to open a chink in other peoples' minds, and give courage to those that witness it? I actually feel that it might be better, if we can't handle just saying "no", to wear a mask with a message on it - maybe "Germ theory = false" or a picture of a sheep.

[banjo dog]

20 hours ago, 2020member said:

@greenheart my first experience today.

 

Went into a tesco superstore late at night (my preferred time when it's really quiet anyway). The shop was dead, maybe around 5 shoppers when there would normally be 200+ in the daytime. I got a few puzzled looks from staff as I walked in and a random shopper jogged past me with his shirt pulled up over his nose, like he'd just smelt a fart, and said something about a mask. I immediately took it as hostile and told him to put one on, but then he clarified himself and said he'd forgotten and was going to get one out of his car. 

 

I then carried on shopping and came across a very abrupt shelf stacker on the dairy aisle who told me I needed to be wearing one. I immediately threw it back at her and stated "have you ever heard of hidden disabilities?" this seemed to shut her up instantly as obviously she will have been shit scared about a discrimination complaint (play them at their own PC game). 

 

The rest of my shop was uncomfortable from then on, with the security guard walking past me around 3 times, but not having the bottle to say anything. The checkout was also very uncomfortable and the self check out staff just stood there gawping at me like I was an alien. 

 

I left feeling very downhearted and upset that we've got to this point as a race. I appreciate other people have had positive experiences, but this left me feeling a bit shook thinking to myself... is every shopping experience going to be a passive aggressive war with zombies.

 

From a spiritual point of view, I know what it's now like to have your land invaded by a foreign threat now. As that's what it felt like... being invaded by a hostile zombie mentality where you are the odd one out in your own country for simply not conforming.   

Very good, but sad post. Out of likes so put this emoji instead. Hope your next shopping trip is better. Remember friend you are not alone

[2020member]

Thank you 

 

@banjo dog and @Jaquiby for the kind words. 
 

What a bloody mess we are in as a species. But its comforting to know like minded people are out there. 

[banjo dog]

2 minutes ago, 2020member said:

Thank you 

 

@banjo dog and @Jaquiby for the kind words. 
 

What a bloody mess we are in as a species. But its comforting to know like minded people are out there. 

We are legion!

[Jaquiby]

Thank you greenheart for your reply to me. It's funny but I am medically exempt, ive had a year of scans and hospital appointments Ive had sinus problems and can't breathe out of one nostril, and I always sound like I have cold.  before lockdown I was supposed to see a maxillofacial specialist, and it looks like i need an operation. But I actually felt guilty just saying that, I wanted to say " and I wouldn't wear a mask anyway even if I was exempt" but I wasn't brave enough and that bothered me not saying it. I'm into energies, and what you put out comes back to you. I was thinking too about writing stuff on masks but where I live there really brainwashed, don't know if its anything to do with the 9 you know what's that's suddenly gone up in my town since March.  So I don't know if you write things you might be putting yourself in danger, these people aren't right there stressed and not thinking clearly. You have to do what's right for you, and nobody should feel guilty about the choices they make, we have to do what we feel we can handle, and it's the government and Tbtb that are the guilty ones.I believe there's a higher power, I don't know what, call it the universe, God,  I don't know, but if our heart and intention is right we will get through this. My go to person is Eckhart tolle, he talks about being present and not listening to our thoughts, and he talks about fear. Once

We overcome our fear then nothing will bother us. But it's easier said than done. I drove too Lidl today, I love their yoghurts, when I saw all the masks walking in, I drove away, I just couldn't be bothered too face another episode. I just didn't have it in me today.  And Banjo dog what a bloody mess, your so right, but I think the more we talk about this it will help a lot of people. I think everybody is feeling guilty and we should not be, we all are here to support each other, and get through it.

 

[oddsnsods]

[Jaquiby]

Thankyou, I will print this out, and drop it on the supermarket floor. 

[owen]

I havent been challenged by anyone yet, only a matter of time of course. Like the person above, I never like to be less than truthful at all times. I do have a degree of claustropohbia but no matter what my level of that is the. buggers wont give me a mask anyway.  Here in Ireland the wording is slightly different, states that if  wearing it causes you distress then you are exempt so I am definitely in that category. My plan is to throw the medical exemption at any security guard etc but if any member of the public challenges me on it my attitude would be completely different. I try to live a spiritual life as much as possible so I want to avoid being confrontational as much as possible. I will try and smile, be polite and maybe give my opinion on the subject, any aggressiveness or rudeness I will just ignore. 

[oddsnsods]

I refuse to wear a mask full stop, but is easy for the consumer I feel sorry for my sister who works in retail with the public & has to wear a mask all day or she loses her job.

 

She finds it really uncomfortable & suffers from Asthma.. I tried to tell her there is easy ways out, but shes too scared of getting fired or being declared an unmutual.