{"id":40576,"date":"2020-11-24T14:09:58","date_gmt":"2020-11-24T14:09:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thevoiceoflondon.co.uk\/?p=40576"},"modified":"2020-11-24T14:09:58","modified_gmt":"2020-11-24T14:09:58","slug":"to-stay-or-not-to-stay-will-masks-remain-a-part-of-british-culture-after-the-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/thevoiceoflondon\/to-stay-or-not-to-stay-will-masks-remain-a-part-of-british-culture-after-the-pandemic\/","title":{"rendered":"To stay or not to stay? Will masks remain a part of British culture after the Pandemic?"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s a polarizing topic, the necessity and effectiveness of masks in fighting against Coronavirus. It\u2019s a new concept to many Brits, and a not particularly favoured one either. When the pandemic comes to an end two question will likely remain. Which coronavirus customs do we keep, and which do we leave behind? And where will mask-wearing stand?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some complain it gives them acne<\/a>, for others it makes breathing more difficult, for those with anxiety it makes them feel claustrophobic, and for a select few it\u2019s all part of a conspiracy of control.<\/p>\n

Since the start of the pandemic masks have increasingly become part of our everyday life. The Government mandated masks on the 24 July this year. This now means that everyone, with the exemption of some individuals, must wear masks in all stores and on public transport.<\/p>\n

This is not the first time that mask-wearing has taken place in the UK. During the Blitz, the Government encouraged masks to prevent an influenza outbreak as people gathered in crowded places for safety.<\/p>\n

The act of wearing a mask may still seem foreign to us, but to many others in East Asia, it has always been a part of everyday life.<\/p>\n

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Design by Leah Trimmer<\/p><\/div>\n

So, we can ask the question: will the UK ever follow suit?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Japan is the perfect example of a global pandemic setting a precedent for future customs in society. Covid-19 has highlighted how easily disease can spread in society and the strict measures needed to protect us.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s difficult to come to a definitive answer to this question. Many Brits are not opposed to the mandates to wear a mask during this Pandemic, but many are not keen on the requirements and are certainly excited to leave these mask-wearing days behind.<\/p>\n

But others don\u2019t mind mask wearing for some very unconventional reasons.<\/p>\n

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The masks are great for a make up free day. They hide all the spots; wrinkles . This is by the way, the only short term benefits of wearing a mask . https:\/\/t.co\/zzvA4ztN2p<\/a><\/p>\n

— Caroline Miriam BM (@CarrieCarrie01) November 19, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n