Face masks to return in shops AND on public transport in England amid Omicron variant fears https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/16869344/f...tive_share&utm_medium=sharebar_native&utm_campaign=sharebaramp

Yet again we're back with Face Masks

Well, looks like the lanyard is coming out of retirement...

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(27 Nov 2021, 5:31 pm)Train8261 wrote Face masks to return in shops AND on public transport in England amid Omicron variant fears https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/16869344/f...tive_share&utm_medium=sharebar_native&utm_campaign=sharebaramp

Yet again we're back with Face Masks

Is this a requirement or just a ask nicely situation. 

Will social distancing requirements come back to buses.

(27 Nov 2021, 5:41 pm)Keeiajs wrote Is this a requirement or just a ask nicely situation. 

Will social distancing requirements come back to buses.

It's compulsory, but I think the chances of it actually getting enforced is pretty low.


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(27 Nov 2021, 5:41 pm)Keeiajs wrote Is this a requirement or just a ask nicely situation. 

Will social distancing requirements come back to buses.

It's compulsory according to 10 downing Street. At least I've got my exemption card

(27 Nov 2021, 5:44 pm)Train8261 wrote It's compulsory according to 10 downing Street. At least I've got my exemption card

You don't need to show any exemption card. You merely have to say you're medically exempt and they have to accept it.

I'm fairly sure it's actually illegal to ask what the medical condition is or ask for proof

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(27 Nov 2021, 5:55 pm)streetdeckfan wrote You don't need to show any exemption card. You merely have to say you're medically exempt and they have to accept it.

I'm fairly sure it's actually illegal to ask what the medical condition is or ask for proof

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In other words you can't really enforce it.

(27 Nov 2021, 5:55 pm)streetdeckfan wrote You don't need to show any exemption card. You merely have to say you're medically exempt and they have to accept it.

I'm fairly sure it's actually illegal to ask what the medical condition is or ask for proof

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I've had a few drivers. Some Arriva & Go North East but very little stagecoach drivers

Some of us, more responsible never stopped wearing them. I find invariably the non wearers are often the types who claim only to have a £20 pound note knowing they'll get a free ride..

(27 Nov 2021, 7:07 pm)54APhotography wrote Some of us, more responsible never stopped wearing them. I find invariably the non wearers are often the types who claim only to have a £20 pound note knowing they'll get a free ride..

I've often wondered loudly whether or not those who claim to be exempt would wear a mask when they're told by TUI or Jet2 that they can't go to Malaga or Benidorm unless they wear one for a few hours.

I'm all for those who genuinely can't wear them being exempt from having to wear them, but I can almost guarantee there is a majority who are not exempt, but claim to be.

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(28 Nov 2021, 12:38 am)6049 wrote I've often wondered loudly whether or not those who claim to be exempt would wear a mask when they're told by TUI or Jet2 that they can't go to Malaga or Benidorm unless they wear one for a few hours.

I'm all for those who genuinely can't wear them being exempt from having to wear them, but I can almost guarantee there is a majority who are not exempt, but claim to be.

One thing that irked me with this whole being exempt thing was the fact that the main proof of valid exemption is the Sunflower lanyard scheme which the intention was used to show hidden disabilities and whilst its valid for mask exemption its weakened the original intention of the scheme IMO, now its harder to tell if the person wearing them has something like a breathing difficulty or has autism, learning difficulties etc, granted its a hidden disability but it causes more confusion knowing how to respond in the correct manner.

(28 Nov 2021, 1:29 am)Jimmi wrote One thing that irked me with this whole being exempt thing was the fact that the main proof of valid exemption is the Sunflower lanyard scheme which the intention was used to show hidden disabilities and whilst its valid for mask exemption its weakened the original intention of the scheme IMO, now its harder to tell if the person wearing them has something like a breathing difficulty or has autism, learning difficulties etc, granted its a hidden disability but it causes more confusion knowing how to respond in the correct manner.

You didn't even need proof (or a lanyard). You could walk in most shops or board most public transport without even being asked.

I understand staff not wanting to put themselves in a position of confrontation, because the rules around wearing them are a minefield. Even if exempt, there's no requirement to prove that you're exempt, and most businesses/operators are unwilling to enforce a zero-tolerance policy on them.

It's all too easy not to wear one, because Government policy on the matter makes it too easy.

Here we go,goodbye to life.......again

(28 Nov 2021, 1:02 pm)Adrian wrote You didn't even need proof (or a lanyard). You could walk in most shops or board most public transport without even being asked.

I understand staff not wanting to put themselves in a position of confrontation, because the rules around wearing them are a minefield. Even if exempt, there's no requirement to prove that you're exempt, and most businesses/operators are unwilling to enforce a zero-tolerance policy on them.

It's all too easy not to wear one, because Government policy on the matter makes it too easy.

Sadly the only leading by example is by a clown who does not care whether anyone lives or dies..

However, a piece of cloth is neither a restriction on freedom, or a hardship..

(28 Nov 2021, 1:02 pm)Adrian wrote You didn't even need proof (or a lanyard). You could walk in most shops or board most public transport without even being asked.

I understand staff not wanting to put themselves in a position of confrontation, because the rules around wearing them are a minefield. Even if exempt, there's no requirement to prove that you're exempt, and most businesses/operators are unwilling to enforce a zero-tolerance policy on them.

It's all too easy not to wear one, because Government policy on the matter makes it too easy.

Sainsburys Arnison Centre went super overboard with applying the policy last time, to the point where staff on the doors were refusing anybody without a mask, even if they were exempt. It caused quite a bit of drama, especially since not long after like 90% of the managers all caught COVID at the same time because they weren't following the rules themselves.

I personally don't have a problem wearing a face covering and have been on buses and trains since the end of summer. But the way its been announced is just awful. It effectively demonsies folk using public transport.

For example if I am sat on a bus with three others in the vehicle then we are expected to wear masks - and that's fine. If I am sat in a car with my friend and two others from seperate households to play football and then we go to the pub afterwards with the opposition for the usual spread and a pint then there is no requirement to wear one.

(28 Nov 2021, 4:30 pm)DeltaMan wrote I personally don't have a problem wearing a face covering and have been on buses and trains since the end of summer. But the way its been announced is just awful. It effectively demonsies folk using publixc transport.

For example if I am sat on a bus with three others in the vehicle then we are expected to wear masks - and that's fine. If I am sat in a car with my friend and two others from seperate households to play football and then we go to the pub afterwards with the opposition for the usual spread and a pint team then there is no requirement to wear one.

Completely agree.

Another kick in the teeth to the bus industry, who were already struggling to get people back on buses.

Wonder if they will reduce the capacity of buses to 1 to every 2 seats.

I'm exempt but still wear a mask. Although when I struggle I take it off - I don't care what others think.

Although I havent stopped wearing one if I'm the inly one on top deck I remove it.

(28 Nov 2021, 5:15 pm)idiot wrote I'm exempt but still wear a mask. Although when I struggle I take it off - I don't care what others think.

Although I havent stopped wearing one if I'm the inly one on top deck I remove it.

Exemption isn't based on condition, just the ability to wear one without significant distress or risk.

Basically if you can wear one, you're not exempt - but the law still allows for you to remove it afterwards if it will cause you harm or distress.

(28 Nov 2021, 4:43 pm)Dan wrote Completely agree.

Another kick in the teeth to the bus industry, who were already struggling to get people back on buses.

Indeed and it’s equally frustrating for us heavily involved in return to office plans, this will just strengthen the rhetoric that buses and to an extent trains aren’t safe to use. I’ve already had cancellations for a number of planned face to face meetings this week from nervy colleagues.

If numbers trend up I’d imagine work from home will be next which will further damage the industry. 

I am struggling to understand the logic. On Tuesday I will board a 21 and must wear a mask. I’ll get off and enter a pub with a few hundred folk but that’s ok. I might nip into Sainsburys on my way to the match, that’s a mask. I’ll then enter an enclosed concourse with a few thousand others…no mask there. I’ll sit in the stand and sing and hug and hopefully celebrate… no mask. I’ll get the 21 home…oh nasty unsafe public transport, pop a mask on.

(29 Nov 2021, 12:01 am)Ambassador wrote Indeed and it’s equally frustrating for us heavily involved in return to office plans, this will just strengthen the rhetoric that buses and to an extent trains aren’t safe to use. I’ve already had cancellations for a number of planned face to face meetings this week from nervy colleagues.

If numbers trend up I’d imagine work from home will be next which will further damage the industry. 

I am struggling to understand the logic. On Tuesday I will board a 21 and must wear a mask. I’ll get off and enter a pub with a few hundred folk but that’s ok. I might nip into Sainsburys on my way to the match, that’s a mask. I’ll then enter an enclosed concourse with a few thousand others…no mask there. I’ll sit in the stand and sing and hug and hopefully celebrate… no mask. I’ll get the 21 home…oh nasty unsafe public transport, pop a mask on.

I just don't understand what it's all based on. This new variant, that according to the people that discovered it, is more mild than the variant we're currently dealing with. Maybe things will change as it spreads more, but they don't seem convinced it's that bad.

What happened to 'dealing with the virus'?

Even before the lifting of restrictions earlier in the year, a lot of people had already stopped following them. In fact, when they dropped the requirement for face coverings, I actually saw the number of people wearing them increase!

(29 Nov 2021, 12:05 am)streetdeckfan wrote Even before the lifting of restrictions earlier in the year, a lot of people had already stopped following them. In fact, when they dropped the requirement for face coverings, I actually saw the number of people wearing them increase!

Though its at near zero wearing them now, and those that are, are generally wearing them around their chin. You'd think people would have grasped how to wear them by now, but nope...

I could count on one hand the amount of people wearing them across the 6 Go North East buses I've used today, but at the same time, any signage relating to face coverings appears to have been removed.

On the Metro, where the recommendations of face coverings is still ever present, there still seems to be a fair few using them... although certainly not by majority.


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I do find it ironic that when I travel by bus I'm often the only one wearing a mask - properly. Yet when I look at the occupants of the buses I photograph, people seem to be masked!

(29 Nov 2021, 5:05 pm)Adrian wrote Though its at near zero wearing them now, and those that are, are generally wearing them around their chin. You'd think people would have grasped how to wear them by now, but nope...

I could count on one hand the amount of people wearing them across the 6 Go North East buses I've used today, but at the same time, any signage relating to face coverings appears to have been removed.

On the Metro, where the recommendations of face coverings is still ever present, there still seems to be a fair few using them... although certainly not by majority.


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My experience of buses and Metro is the opposite of yours - again whilst a lot on buses don’t wear masks, almost everyone on Metro isn’t wearing one (even on ‘commuter’ style weekday trains, not just late at night).

I’ve always assumed that people feel less obliged to wear one on Metro as they don’t have to look the driver in the eye.


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(30 Nov 2021, 5:37 am)Dan wrote My experience of buses and Metro is the opposite of yours - again whilst a lot on buses don’t wear masks, almost everyone on Metro isn’t wearing one (even on ‘commuter’ style weekday trains, not just late at night).

I’ve always assumed that people feel less obliged to wear one on Metro as they don’t have to look the driver in the eye.


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Seems that people in the U.K. don’t think they need to wear a mask. We’ve just spent 2 weeks on a cruise ship and there was no way out, you had to agree to wear a mask or you couldn’t join the ship. Obviously there were areas where you didn’t need to wear it but walking around it was obligatory. In Spain and Portugal you were challenged in shops etc if your didn’t wear one and actually a lot of the locals were wearing them in the street. On open  top buses you had to wear a mask! On the drive back home from Southampton, in the motorway services it was difficult to spot a mask! I’m an asthma sufferer but still wear a mask as I feel like I am ‘doing my bit’ to protect others even though it’s really uncomfortable at times.

(30 Nov 2021, 8:59 am)RMF1254 wrote Seems that people in the U.K. don’t think they need to wear a mask. We’ve just spent 2 weeks on a cruise ship and there was no way out, you had to agree to wear a mask or you couldn’t join the ship. Obviously there were areas where you didn’t need to wear it but walking around it was obligatory. In Spain and Portugal you were challenged in shops etc if your didn’t wear one and actually a lot of the locals were wearing them in the street. On open  top buses you had to wear a mask! On the drive back home from Southampton, in the motorway services it was difficult to spot a mask! I’m an asthma sufferer but still wear a mask as I feel like I am ‘doing my bit’ to protect others even though it’s really uncomfortable at times.

Not to sound like a conspiracy nut or owt, but if masks were as great as they're made out to be then why are all the countries that mandate them having massive surges yet we're not (vaccine rates and already high rates aside)

(30 Nov 2021, 10:56 am)streetdeckfan wrote Not to sound like a conspiracy nut or owt, but if masks were as great as they're made out to be then why are all the countries that mandate them having massive surges yet we're not (vaccine rates and already high rates aside)

too late!

(29 Nov 2021, 5:05 pm)Adrian wrote I could count on one hand the amount of people wearing them across the 6 Go North East buses I've used today, but at the same time, any signage relating to face coverings appears to have been removed.

I travelled on an ANE X21 into town yesterday early evening and I'd say at most a couple were wearing masks of the 25-30 or so on board. However, I was also on one of the early AM runs (0610 from Newbiggin) and I'd say mask wearing was at around 25% (around 10 of the 35-40ish on board). 

Anecdotally, pensioners seem to be virtually all wearing masks still.

(30 Nov 2021, 10:56 am)streetdeckfan wrote Not to sound like a conspiracy nut or owt, but if masks were as great as they're made out to be then why are all the countries that mandate them having massive surges yet we're not (vaccine rates and already high rates aside)

Our cases have remained at a 7 day average of at least 27k for almost 5 months now. Last two months have been around 33k average. No other country in Europe has followed that pattern, mainly because their policy isn't being set by a bumbling idiot.