Me and my mask: Our reporters talk facial coverings

Welcome to our new feature where we ask people to tell us a little about their face mask.
Sussex Newspaper journalists in their masks SUS-200716-162334001Sussex Newspaper journalists in their masks SUS-200716-162334001
Sussex Newspaper journalists in their masks SUS-200716-162334001

It will soon be mandatory to wear facial coverings in shops, to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

So if this is the new normal, it seems we might as well get better acquainted with these pieces of fabric.

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Our reporter Joe Stack, based in Chichester, reveals all about his chic homemade accessory.

Joe Stack with his mask SUS-200716-155106001Joe Stack with his mask SUS-200716-155106001
Joe Stack with his mask SUS-200716-155106001

Where did you get your mask?

“My mask is homemade, but not by me. I’ve got a few, which means I can colour coordinate and that makes it feel like an accessory rather than just a mask.”

Do you think wearing it will protect others?

“It’s not so tight-fitting that it’s impenetrable, but with social distancing etc I feel comfortable spending time around strangers when I’m wearing it.”

Sussex Express and Middy reporter Jenny Logan masks up with her dad Peter SUS-200716-162704001Sussex Express and Middy reporter Jenny Logan masks up with her dad Peter SUS-200716-162704001
Sussex Express and Middy reporter Jenny Logan masks up with her dad Peter SUS-200716-162704001

Is it comfortable to wear?

“Yes, I’ve been wearing mine for a couple of hours a day and I haven’t found it too uncomfortable. Facial hair makes it less comfortable, however, and chewing gum now makes my eyes water!”

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Reporter Ginny Sanderson, based in Eastbourne, talks about her orange and flowery facial covering.

Where did you get your mask?

Me and my mask: Ginny SUS-200714-150135001Me and my mask: Ginny SUS-200714-150135001
Me and my mask: Ginny SUS-200714-150135001

“When the pandemic started my mum had already bought masks for the whole family from a dog groomer friend. It turns out dog groomers are incredibly resourceful.”

Is it comfortable to wear?

“It takes a little getting used to – I haven’t mastered the best way to stop my glasses steaming up, and make up is a hilarious fail – but of course it is worth it.”

Do you think wearing it will protect others?

Eastbourne Herald's chief reporter Annemarie Field sporting a glamorous pink facial covering SUS-200716-162927001Eastbourne Herald's chief reporter Annemarie Field sporting a glamorous pink facial covering SUS-200716-162927001
Eastbourne Herald's chief reporter Annemarie Field sporting a glamorous pink facial covering SUS-200716-162927001

“Yes. Any mild annoyance from wearing a mask pales into insignificance when you think about how wearing it is an act of protecting others. Evidence from countries where mask wearing is prevalent shows it does work.

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“Also I look a bit like a bandit from a Western movie in mine, so there’s that.”

The facts about wearing a mask - and myths debunked

• Wearing a mask in public is considered to lower the risk of the wearer spreading coronavirus.

• Evidence suggests wearing a face covering does not protect you, so social distancing should still be followed.

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• Though concerns have been spread online about masks causing people to breathe in more CO2, there is no evidence for this.

• Another claim is that wearing a mask could limit a person’s supply of oxygen. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says, “The prolonged use of medical masks when properly worn, does not cause CO2 intoxication nor oxygen deficiency.”

• The WHO says people should not wear a mask while exercising. People with respiratory problems who may struggle to breathe are also exempt from having to wear one.

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