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Comment by tomfanning | Hacker News Reader

Not dissimilar to how face masks are being made compulsory in shops by the British government.

In 11 days' time.

Future-dating it is a sensible move to allow people to get used to the idea, to disseminate the news, and to allow time to obtain the necessary equipment. It will increase compliance compared to an immediate rule change. Bear in mind that only about 5%-10% of people in UK currently are wearing masks in shops (based on my own local observations).

While that is true, these rules should’ve been brought in months ago.

(Also: do people really need more than one week?)

Months ago there were massive shortages of PPE and UK was largely in lockdown with most people only going out to exercise and to shop, not going anywhere else, and not seeing famliy, friends etc.

Now the risk profile of things has changed because people are out and about more.

But 11 days does seem a bit long, sure.

The masks normal people need to wear aren’t the same masks that medical staff need to wear — the former mainly stop you infecting others, the later keep you safe from others.

You're assuming everyone who must to go to a shop in the next 11 days already have in their possession an appropriate face covering; the definition of which is as yet unknown.

If the face masks are that essential (which they probably are): wrap a t shirt around your face.

they could introduce the measure immediately for all but essential shops, with essential shops a week later to allow people to acquire appropriate face covering

yet, dissimilar in so many ways (number of manufacturers, ease of access, cost, offenses against fellow humans notwithstanding)

And 2 days ago Gove said they wouldn't be compulsory.

They are just panicking because of the economy (latest figures show a 20% crash).

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