Forum Topic

Face Masks

I was in Waitrose - West Ealing this morning,standing at the fish counter being served when this lady came along and started berating the three staff members behind the counter because they weren't wearing face masks, she really went into one, one staff member said she would find a manager to speak to her and seek clarity. Speaking to one of the guys behind the counter we seemed to agree that a flimsy mask would be next to useless but there does seem to be general confusion over this

David Burke ● 1853d10 Comments

I don't know about the blue badge parking slots but the slots reserved for those with children are routinely abused at the West Ealing Waitrose.

Tony Colliver ● 1843d

The downside might be the sense of emboldenment and security that wearing a mask might give some people.

Keith Iddon ● 1850d

We should order a billion initially. It looks as though we are behind again. Very interesting and highly informative posts thank you all.

Nicholas Beard ● 1851d

Was the lady doing the berating wearing a face mask?Official UK advice is that public wearing of face masks is not  necessary. The WHO has not supported it but is said to be reconsidering its position. In Czechia (Czech Republic) it is now compulsory to cover your nose and mouth when in public. Germany is now recommending it, certain parts of the USA are making it compulsory. And the only economically advanced countries who seem to be controlling Covid19 (South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan) all have widespread wearing of face masks.A face mask will do little to stop you contracting the virus  but it will reduce the risk you spread the virus. Most virus spread is by breathing out droplets containing Covid19, so any type of mask (including one made from a cotton T shirt) will prevent of lot of virus spread by preventing them dropping on other surfaces. As anywhere between 20-50% of Covid19 sufferers don't display symptoms, it makes sense to wear a face mask even if you fell well. This Czech chap explains the thinking behind it succcintly.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFmaSNP6_z4

Vlod Barchuk ● 1851d

Generally, the people who shop at Waitrose West Ealing are among the nicest people you can meet TBH. As example, it is the only supermarket I visit where the Blue badge spaces are genuinely all occupied by Blue badge holders.
There are no 'scrums' and people treat each other with respect, of course, like all walks in life, there will be exceptions.

N V Brooks ● 1852d

Store staff have had to put up with some horrendous behaviour and a lot of elderly people who are still having to shop are also getting pushed and shoved out of the way. Seen this in  Morrisons but the manager there has made his staff aware and managed the situation well.I'll be clapping tonight for the store staff and those working long hours ensuring food and goods reach us all as best possible. As vital as the medics, carers and porters and cleaners in institutions

Raymond Havelock ● 1852d

There are some very rude and superior people whose importance gives them the right to abuse staff. No doubt most of them shop at Waitrose. The staff handled it well. From what I have seen the people are working this out for themselves. My Morrisons have screens for the till workers and has a queueing system. I see more general kindness and politeness. We can question whether something is safe in a better way.

Peter Chadburn ● 1852d

In food production places, nets and masks are normal at all times. Basic hygiene is normal at all times.This is not normal times to the simple basics are to take every precaution.All staff in Foodstores should have protection as much for themselves as for the customers.Simply because no one actually knows enough about this virus ( we still know little enough about common cold transmission) What the Japanese and Koreans have done for decades when they have little more than a cold should indicate to us all what is a simple precaution. Belt and Braces especially when into the unknown.

Raymond Havelock ● 1852d

If you see the news today the view of face masks is changing. FLIMSY COTTON MASKS MAY ARREST DROPLETS!!! Why have we not asked Russia to help us with supplies of masks, after the first Russian plane flew into the US with supplies.

Nicholas Beard ● 1852d

No point in a mask unless they have symptoms and presumably she is going to cook the fish.

N V Brooks ● 1853d