Coach travel to away games - face masks

[Leisure]

With the relaxation of Covid rules from tomorrow I'm interested to get views on travelling to away games by coach and whether or not masks should be worn on the coach? So, do you think that it's safe to travel by coach and if so, do you think that you and other passengers should wear a mask?

[claretburns]

We had the same conversation at work this week and it was decided it would be down to personal preference, which I think is the right way to go about it.

I personally am comfortable not wearing a mask in a public setting, feeling even more comfortable now I have had both jabs, but I appreciate people will still feel anxious about it.

I think the best way would be for each individual to decide so then no one is made to feel pressure to wear them nor feel anxious not wearing one.

[tim_noone]

Maybe When Moving about the Coach Would be Advised.

[taio]

Optional rather than mandatory would be most appropriate I think. Another option could be supporter groups coming together to offer a coach or two where it is compulsory.

[martin_p]

If more than about 20% are not wearing masks then there’s really no point in anyone wearing them. It’s why ‘personal choice’ on this issue doesn’t work.

[taio]

If more than about 20% are not wearing masks then there’s really no point in anyone wearing them. It’s why ‘personal choice’ on this issue doesn’t work.

A suitable mask protects the wearer.

[martin_p]

A suitable mask protects the wearer.

Medical grade maybe, but not many have that.

[gandhisflipflop]

Leave it up to the individual. A lot will be vaccinated anyway.

[Leisure]

Supplementary question - If you would be a mask wearer, what would your reaction be to other passengers not wearing them? - would you just accept this or decide not to travel if you knew in advance that other passengers wouldn't be wearing them?

[taio]

Medical grade maybe, but not many have that.

The common worn mask by the public is the standard surgical mask that most health and care professionals also wear, unless they are undertaking aerosol generating procedures.

[Leisure]

Leave it up to the individual. A lot will be vaccinated anyway.

Not sure about that going off the usual age range that travel eg under 30.

[Jakubclaret]

If more than about 20% are not wearing masks then there’s really no point in anyone wearing them. It’s why ‘personal choice’ on this issue doesn’t work.

If you are wearing 1 yourself & other people aren’t you still have more protection if the virus particles are being dispersed in the air, so it is personal choice if you want to run the risk yourself or ensure maximum protection for yourself, it’s down to whether you think the risk assessment is in-line with how uncomfortable you find them to wear.

[djemba-djemba]

I don’t think I’d go on the coach if I was required to wear a mask. Certainly not anywhere that would take a few hours to get to.

[tim_noone]

Supplementary question - If you would be a mask wearer, what would your reaction be to other passengers not wearing them? - would you just accept this or decide not to travel if you knew in advance that other passengers wouldn't be wearing them?

I'm in the still wear them camp..... I find the non wearers very sceptical on the subject to be honest.

[gandhisflipflop]

Not sure about that going off the usual age range that travel eg under 30.

Then even better, as it’s that age range that affects people the least. The people who want to be vaccinated will have been. I think that it should be left up to the individual now because organisations such as yourselves and businesses have enough to deal with without worrying about whether or not to allow customers without masks.

[ksrclaret]

I would love to travel by coach again but if I’d have to wear a mask the whole time then no thanks, definitely not. I’d rather drive and feel comfortable for the long journey.

[Leisure]

Then even better, as it’s that age range that affects people the least. The people who want to be vaccinated will have been. I think that it should be left up to the individual now because organisations such as yourselves and businesses have enough to deal with without worrying about whether or not to allow customers without masks.

But that age group seems to be the ones catching it now.

[taio]

But that age group seems to be the ones catching it now.

You will know better than me that it would be unenforceable

[Quickenthetempo]

Good ventilation in the coach is far better than masks.

If people are really nervous about it I would suggest going by car for a while.

[Middle-agedClaret]

I wouldn’t travel by coach if wearing of masks were optional. I’ve had 2 jabs - so did Andrew Marr. So did a small number of those who are now hospitalised. The vaccine helps greatly - but it does not guarantee you will not be infected.

[Milltown1882]

Wouldn’t fancy it for a Brighton/Southampton etc.

[fidelcastro]

If the wearing of face masks is so effective, why is there still so much covid?

[Leisure]

If the wearing of face masks is so effective, why is there still so much covid?

Probably due to many people not wearing them.

[Jakubclaret]

If the wearing of face masks is so effective, why is there still so much covid?

Because you can catch Covid with other methods of transmission.

[fidelcastro]

Probably due to many people not wearing them.

I've yet to see any evidence that face masks work.

[Jakubclaret]

I've yet to see any evidence that face masks work.

Have you seen any evidence that face masks don’t work?

[fidelcastro]

Have you seen any evidence that face masks don’t work?

Yes. Cases are rising despite it being mandatory to wear them in public.

[Jakubclaret]

Yes. Cases are rising despite it being mandatory to wear them in public.

So in your expertise opinion the face masks aren’t making a difference without exploring the possibility that the infection rate could even be higher without wearing them.

[taio]

Yes. Cases are rising despite it being mandatory to wear them in public.

There’s loads of scientific evidence that masks reduce transmission.

They don’t eliminate transmission especially when so many people dont wear them!

[fidelcastro]

There’s loads of scientific evidence that masks reduce transmission.

They don’t eliminate transmission especially when so many people dont wear them!

What scientific evidence?

[fidelcastro]

So in your expertise opinion the face masks aren’t making a difference without exploring the possibility that the infection rate could even be higher without wearing them.

Cases are rising now, even before restrictions are lifted. Anyone who was at real threat from this virus should have already been vaccinated. We can't be wearing masks forever, so who are we protecting now?

[martin_p]

What scientific evidence?

Google it.

[taio]

What scientific evidence?

You’ll find plenty just by Google searching.

[martin_p]

Cases are rising now, even before restrictions are lifted. Anyone who was at real threat from this virus should have already been vaccinated. We can't be wearing masks forever, so who are we protecting now?

Everyone!

Besides, the chances of a vaccine resistant strain increase the more infection there is. During August infections are likely to reach at least 100,000 a day.

[Jakubclaret]

Cases are rising now, even before restrictions are lifted. Anyone who was at real threat from this virus should have already been vaccinated. We can't be wearing masks forever, so who are we protecting now?

Just Google about what the experts say about face masks & transmission please, I could post links I can’t be bothered, nobody is saying wear them forever you just need to exercise abit of common & crowded public transport is at odds, it’s not 24/7 you’ll be on buses & trains & packed areas so it’s no biggie, it isn’t to me anyway.

[ClaretDiver]

But that age group seems to be the ones catching it now.

The majority of covid patients being admitted seriously with it at my missus work are under 30 and the ITU is now full with no available beds....you roll the dice you take your chance.....

[Milltown1882]

Why does everything on this forum have to turn into a huge petty debate? He asked a question now it’s back to point scoring it’s boring.

[taio]

Cases are rising now, even before restrictions are lifted. Anyone who was at real threat from this virus should have already been vaccinated. We can't be wearing masks forever, so who are we protecting now?

Agree - we certainly can’t be wearing them forever. Doesn’t mean they don’t reduce the risk of transmission though. There’s loads of evidence to suggest they do.

[martin_p]

Why does everything on this forum have to turn into a huge petty debate? He asked a question now it’s back to point scoring it’s boring.

I’m not sure why having differing opinions is ‘point scoring’.

[gandhisflipflop]

The majority of covid patients being admitted seriously with it at my missus work are under 30 and the ITU is now full with no available beds....you roll the dice you take your chance.....

Out of interest, how many of those patients are re-infections? Would your missus know that info?

[Leisure]

Thanks for all the comments so far. But just to bring people back to my original question, it was purely about views on coach travel to away games.

[ClaretDiver]

Out of interest, how many of those patients are re-infections? Would your missus know that info?

To be honest, she may have that info but not something she delves into too far....There are also over 400 staff off in the Trust, mostly nurses, a mixture of having it and the dreaded ping so they are now being asked to postpone holidays to cover....

She came home this morning after night shift and was, once again exhausted at the climbing admissions.....they may not be as severe in may cases but when peoples sats are dropping to below 40 that's a worry.....

[gandhisflipflop]

To be honest, she may have that info but not something she delves into too far....There are also over 400 staff off in the Trust, mostly nurses, a mixture of having it and the dreaded ping so they are now being asked to postpone holidays to cover....

She came home this morning after night shift and was, once again exhausted at the climbing admissions.....they may not be as severe in may cases but when peoples sats are dropping to below 40 that's a worry.....

Respect to her ClaretDiver

[ClaretDiver]

Respect to her ClaretDiver

Thanks bud....she back in tonight for her 4th in a bounce, she works permanent nights so does nothing for her emotional state as you never get a good sleep! Especially in this heat! Take care buddy!

[the_fat_shearer]

Mask mainly help to protect others.

Scientists, including government advice is to wear them in enclosed conditions with many people. This is essentially what a coach is.

Personally, I wouldn't go on a coach if masks were down to personal preference, particularly as the main benefit is to others so my health would be put at risk by others.

As has been mentioned, double jabbing isn't 100% effective - just ask Andrew Marr or Sajid Javid. I also have a friend in mid-30s with long COVID. It isn't nice.

I do understand that many here might feel differently and a lot of those people might be the main target customers of the coach. I respectfully disagree and am not here to argue. This is my opinion based on the advice received, that's all.

Masks on coach, I would use it

Masks not compulsory/personal preference, I would not use it.

[fidelcastro]

You’ll find plenty just by Google searching.

And plenty more that suggests it makes no difference.

[fidelcastro]

Just Google about what the experts say about face masks & transmission please, I could post links I can’t be bothered, nobody is saying wear them forever you just need to exercise abit of common & crowded public transport is at odds, it’s not 24/7 you’ll be on buses & trains & packed areas so it’s no biggie, it isn’t to me anyway.

Not forever? Okay, for how long then?

[Quickenthetempo]

Mask mainly help to protect others.

Scientists, including government advice is to wear them in enclosed conditions with many people. This is essentially what a coach is.

Personally, I wouldn't go on a coach if masks were down to personal preference, particularly as the main benefit is to others so my health would be put at risk by others.

As has been mentioned, double jabbing isn't 100% effective - just ask Andrew Marr or Sajid Javid. I also have a friend in mid-30s with long COVID. It isn't nice.

I do understand that many here might feel differently and a lot of those people might be the main target customers of the coach. I respectfully disagree and am not here to argue. This is my opinion based on the advice received, that's all.

Masks on coach, I would use it

Masks not compulsory/personal preference, I would not use it.

Did you use coaches for away games before all this?

[taio]

And plenty more that suggests it makes no difference.

I'm sure you're correct on that point. But your original point was you haven't see any evidence they work. There's loads out there and I suspect it's far more robust and from more reliable sources than the evidence you've found saying they don't work.

[the_fat_shearer]

Did you use coaches for away games before all this?

I'm based down south but when I've been North which I do come at holiday periods, yes , I have used the coaches