Morrisons & Sainsbury ban shoppers without face masks

[Roobarb]

I'm asthmatic and always carry an inhaler but I have no idea what spiro is!

* Added - on the very limited occasions I've been inside a shop (petrol station to return a parcel, barn at the nurseries to pay for plants) I've worn a mask. Having said that, my asthma is not severe, it might be harder for people whose is.

[louisa maud]

I think we are all finding the situation depressing, difficult  annoying or whatever word you might like to use, yes, we all like to shout at the TV but it really does us no good, we just have to carry on doing what we think is right for our own good if no one else's, steer clear of the non mask wearers
Masks are not comfortable to wear, at the moment we don't need to wear them outside, I take mine off as soon as I can but there might come a time that we may have to wear them outside and just get on with it

Louisa Maud

[Glen in Tinsel Kni]

Asthma can be diagnosed with spiro tests though generally only the more severe cases are referred. There are other techniques to diagnose it. The breathing difficulties vary a huge amount between attack and non attack situations so peak flow figures change massively.

COPD doesn't have the extremes experienced with an asthma attack but diagnosis and degree of severity can be measured with spiro tests. Breathing is more difficult the entire time with COPD and the problems can affect inhaling or exhaling. The lungs don't work as well and it's degenerative. An exacerbation is usually down to excess fluid on the lungs and the inability to cough to clear it.

I was diagnosed at severe Stage 4 with 55% lung capacity and an FEV (exhaling strength),of just 1.1 three years ago. A year ago I had dropped to 40% capacity and FEV 0.7. Too low for the breathalyser. It's a 45-55% survival rate 5 years after diagnosis though my GP has said I'm dropping faster than expected.

Having said all of that guess what? Even with 5 heart attacks under my belt and the COPD I can still walk around with a mask on. I won't chance a supermarket but just head out for a wander round the block in the evening and wear a mask the whole time. I'm up there with the world's slowest walkers and I struggle to breathe but that's the lungs not the mask, temperature and humidity have a bigger impact than any face covering. If I get a really bad period after a walk then I'll use oxygen and a nebuliser for as long as needed

[Roobarb]

Thanks for the info Glen. I'm very sorry to hear about your health problems and I'm impressed that you get out for a walk with such an illness. I hope you stay as well as possible.

[groom]

I really can't understand why any one with a breathing problem would even risk going into a shop unmasked. If they can't wear a mask, they really shouldn't be shopping, it's too dangerous. I'm afraid that a lot of the non mask wearers don't wear them for another reason - i.e they don't like wearing them! It is far too easy for anyone to download an exemption card. I think these should have to be signed or stamped by someone from their GP practice or pharmacy.

If supermarkets can ask to see proof of age when you try to buy alcohol, why can't it now be made law that they can ask to see proof of exemption? After all, an underage person buying a bottle of wine isn't going to do as much harm to others as an unmasked person spreading Covid19.

[louisa maud]

Just take  care Glen

LM

[suey]

Surely if supermarkets was an issue then all the staff would be going down like flies.
I have seen only one report of an outbreak in a supermarket.

Boris has made it clear, it’s socialising that spreads it. Do not chat.  Do not chat on the doorstep, you may walk with one person but you may not socialise with that person.

Everyone will get a jab locally says Matt Hancock, nobody will have to travel more than ten miles, so ten miles is considered local.


Mike

It is if you live in the back end of nowhere Mike. 
Our old surgery was 7 miles away, if you lived in one of the outlying villages you could easily be travelling 10 miles.

[Asthecrowflies]

I really can’t understand why so many people find it so difficult to wear a mask for the short time they are shopping or as someone else said there are visors available if you have problems. I think we should all be thanking all shop staff who are working very hard at a difficult time to make sure we can buy our groceries etc.

[heywood]

Our surgery posted a photograph a couple of days ago - a practice nurse and 2 doctors going out to nursing/residential homes to vaccinate residents.

Yesterday there was a message re people receiving notification of appointments but a warning that supplies are often delivered or cancelled at very short notice so please be understanding.

It is a very good practice and must be very difficult organising this. The vaccines are being given at a local  hub.