Will you still be wearing a face mask from July 19th? (Poll)

[jon81uk]

It does feel a bit ridiculous that today masks need to be worn on rides, it is unsafe to go on a rollercoaster without on. From Monday you don't need one even indoors.
Nothing is magically changing overnight that masks it significantly less risky, other than more people having the vaccinations.

 

[Matt N]

I would presume things like the Skyride will continue to be where its one group per car but not sure what it means for other rides. I'm going to Alton Towers next weekend with my family so will be hoping to use the Skyride to save our legs a little, do you find the current operations are making the queues longer than usual for it (annoyingly the App doesn't give any information on the Skyride)?

With regards to social distancing markers, I presume it just means they won't be scrubbing them off the floor so they will still be visible but doubt it will be enforced at all. It will more just be a reminder to people.

We didn’t queue too long for the Skyride last time I used it, to be honest; probably no longer than the time I used it in 2019.

 

[jon81uk]

Have they indicated whether social distancing on the remaining rides where it hasn’t been lifted (e.g. Spinball, Rapids, Skyride) is going, or is it staying for now?

Also, when they say that distancing markers are staying, does this mean that the park will continue to try and enforce distancing in queues, or will that stop?

I take it this means that WM’s pre-show still won’t be back post-19th July; I’m wondering whether it’ll ever return.

Furthermore, are masks required in indoor areas and areas of high footfall, or is this merely a “recommendation” from the park?

All the information currently available is here https://www.altontowers.com/plan-your-visit/before-you-visit/know-before-you-go/

Masks are recommended indoors, doesn't state required.


Also it does appear that pre-booking is not required, just encouraged to ensure you will get in.

 

[geo4chg]

We didn’t queue too long for the Skyride last time I used it, to be honest; probably no longer than the time I used it in 2019.

Thanks. We will have to judge it on the day - having a 5 year old just means we have to plan our route around the park a little bit more. We will avoid trying to get it from Forbidden Valley as people staying on makes it a bit of a nightmare but the children do enjoy a ride on the skyride.

 

[Alsty]

Also, when they say that distancing markers are staying, does this mean that the park will continue to try and enforce distancing in queues, or will that stop?

The Alton Towers Covid page says:
You may still see suggested spatial separation markings and other similar operating adjustments around the Resort to help aid guest comfort and experience. We ask that during your visit you respect and observe these wherever possible to help us provide you all with a first-class experience

So it looks like they want you to stick to them, but won't enforce them.

 

[geo4chg]

The Alton Towers Covid page says:
You may still see suggested spatial separation markings and other similar operating adjustments around the Resort to help aid guest comfort and experience. We ask that during your visit you respect and observe these wherever possible to help us provide you all with a first-class experience

So it looks like they want you to stick to them, but won't enforce them.

I think it's probably a case of them having sprayed markers on the ground and added additional screens, fencing and markers to queue lines and in other places, and these will just be left there. I think this is something we will see in the real world too, gradually these will fade with time but no-one is going to go and proactively remove them. As I said before, I hope people will be respectful of the guidelines ATR have in place for the comfort of other guests - just because you are happy to get close to other people doesn't mean they are. There are plenty of other things we do that aren't illegal for the comfort and respect of others and this should be no different - it is just people being selfish.

I for one wouldn't argue with being given a little more space in some queues, nothing to do with Covid, just particularly on hot days it is nice not to be quite as close to other people.

 

[WillPS]

The way infection rates are going, masks will be back to being compulsory in two or three weeks.

Without wanting to go all BigT about it - they *want* infection rates to continue upwards, so long as the rate of hospitalisations do not rise to problematic levels.

The hope is that this will all be done and dusted so that everyone can have a relatively normal winter. It's a gamble though.

 

[NuttySquirrel]

I would presume things like the Skyride will continue to be where its one group per car but not sure what it means for other rides.

That's fine by me, I hate sharing a cabin with strangers anyway!

I for one wouldn't argue with being given a little more space in some queues, nothing to do with Covid, just particularly on hot days it is nice not to be quite as close to other people.

Couldn't agree more - let's make social distancing the norm for people like me who hate people!

 

[Vik]

My last few visits to Asda mask wearing had been 50% or less. Has dropped off a cliff last couple of weeks. The number of staff wearing them is pretty much 0 now. Morrison’s is better but not by much. last train journey to Liverpool and back probably around 50% also. Though most of those were chin wearers.

 

[BigT]

Genuine question. If for example a supermarket is asking customers wear a mask to protect their staff and other customers, why would you choose not to? Yes it is no longer a legal obligation, but surely it is a common courtesy? I know you don't believe masks do any good (despite studies showing that they do) so I am guessing that is your primary reason.

I really do think it is mad that the government are scrapping the legal requirement to wear a mask in certain situations. Even if the continuation of the requirement to wear them prevented or reduced severity of disease in only relatively small numbers that would still be a good thing.

You asked a genuine question so I give you an honest answer, or rather a question.
Why should I put my own health at risk to protect others? Wearing a face covering makes me feel ill, gives me a sore throat and headache.
I would never CHOOSE to wear one.

Id say about a 1/4 of the people in supermarkets are already not wearing them so come Monday it will be more like 50%.
A study out today reads that 60% of adults are happy to continue to wear them in supermarkets, that means 40% are not and that’s already moved from something like a 70/30 split earlier in the week so it’s going in the no mask wearing direction.

They are also an environmental hazard just discarded in ditches and rivers.
Most are also made in China and that irony hasn’t been lost on me either.

 

[Rob]

You asked a genuine question so I give you an honest answer, or rather a question.
Why should I put my own health at risk to protect others? Wearing a face covering makes me feel ill, gives me a sore throat and headache.
I would never CHOOSE to wear one.

Id say about a 1/4 of the people in supermarkets are already not wearing them so come Monday it will be more like 50%.
A study out today reads that 60% of adults are happy to continue to wear them in supermarkets, that means 40% are not and that’s already moved from something like a 70/30 split earlier in the week so it’s going in the no mask wearing direction.

They are also an environmental hazard just discarded in ditches and rivers.
Most are also made in China and that irony hasn’t been lost on me either.

With respect, I do not think wearing a mask is putting your health at risk. There is a difference between feeling a bit off because you are wearing a mask (can't say it has ever happened to me or anyone I know mind) and actually having a genuine illness that is having an impact on your health.

I do understand that for some people they are not nice to wear, but I think from a public health point of view there is more to be gained from wearing them than not wearing them.

As for your latter two points. Completely agree on the environmental issue although that is more than just masks. Some people seem happy to just dump their rubbish anwhere, which is an issue with parts of society. And it is beyond me why they do this. Also not lost on me that China are making a small fortune out of maks, testing kits etc.

 

[BigT]

With respect I have a HSE safety document that the recommended maximum time wearing a dust mask FPP2 is 3 hours.
I’ll do what’s right for me and I don’t care about anyone else.

 

[monkeyboy]

I went to 4 NHS sites this week and they insist on wearing a new mask when entering the premises. Sounds like a plan!

Unfortunately you have to walk into reception lobby to pick it up!

Go team


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rob666]

With respect...
"I'll do what's right for me and I don't care about everyone else".
Fine if you live in a society of one.
Your attitude really stinks, but you already know that.

 

[RicketyCricket]

With respect I have a HSE safety document that the recommended maximum time wearing a dust mask FPP2 is 3 hours.
I’ll do what’s right for me and I don’t care about anyone else.

It takes you 3 hours to do a food shop?

 

[Danza91]

I won't be wearing a mask because they irritate my skin, are anti social and negatively affect my mental health. Also my hearing isn't amazing so not being able to read people's lips/facial expressions makes things difficult and more stressful than it needs to be, I know for a fact others struggle with this too so it will make that side of things easier.

In the real world data, like Malaysia and even now South Korea where compliance is reportedly as high as 99%, masks haven't prevented new waves of the virus.

I've seen people I know (not pointing to anyone on here) who either smoke, are clearly overweight, and in general have chosen to live unhealthily, criticise those who won't wear a mask anymore by saying, "you're putting my health at risk". I mean...really?

I've said it many times before, this country is incredibly unhealthy and until people start making changes in their own lives there are going to be a large number of people more susceptible to this virus. If people haven't realised this after 16 months of COVID then what can you do?

I'm jabbed, I don't smoke, I eat a balanced diet, gym a lot and run 50+km every week, but I accept I could still get hit by COVID or hell even cancer at any time. That's life!

 

[MaxPower]

There are plenty of people who are vulnerable to the virus despite not being unhealthy, people with medical conditions, the elderly ect..

It boggles my mind that some people get so wound up about wearing masks, it's a minor inconvenience at the end of the day.

 

[Vik]

Wearing one for 12 hours In work where it’s hot and stuffy in the summer is slightly more than a minor inconvenience. Something will still have to do as I work In Wales. Though the push back over the last few weeks has put a lot of pressure on management to get rid that isn’t going to happen anytime soon.

 

[BigT]

With respect...
"I'll do what's right for me and I don't care about everyone else".
Fine if you live in a society of one.
Your attitude really stinks, but you already know that.

Not at all what stinks is the attitude that people shouldn’t be able to make their own decision based on what’s right for them.

I disagree face masks are a minor inconvenience, they are not when you have to wear them for work for 12 hours at a time.
I’m glad to see the back of them to be honest.

 

[Rick]

Not at all what stinks is the attitude that people shouldn’t be able to make their own decision based on what’s right for them.

Right, but both generally and/or specifically on this issue you may concede what is 'right' for you might be 'wrong' for the collective and society as as a whole ?

Like smoking, as an individual it's perhaps a coping mechanism, a guilty pleasure and a long standing habit, but forcing others who don't smoke to breathe second hand smoke passively is bad for the health of people that come into contact with you.

The smoking ban was quite controversial at the time, coming home from a night out smelling like you smoked 40 a day was normal, now it seems an outrage that it is still comparatively modern legislation.