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What is the purpose of face masks ?

Do i wear one in case I'm infected and transmit to others

Or is to protect myself from being infected by others ?

What ever the reason if wearing face masks was the answer then logically we can end the lockdown now ?

They reduce the transmission of the virus through droplet spreading. They do nothing to prevent catching the virus from others.

The cloth and surgical type masks are not very effective at protecting the wearer. However they are quite effective at protecting those around the wearer (something like 70% less chance of infecting people).

The issue with Covid is people are transmitting the illness before they are experiencing symptoms, so they don't know they are infected. This is why everyone should be wearing a mask.

A properly fitted FFP2/3 (N95/N99) mask does protect the wearer, however it must be properly fitted, and good hygiene must be maintained by the wearer.

Having spoken to some friends in the NHS, the infection vectors are mouth, nose, eyes.

The microscopic droplets humans exhale as they breath, talk, sneeze, cough are how the virus particles get into other people mouth, nose and eyes generally (though there is also the path of touching contaminated surfaces and then rubbing your eyes or nose etc). A mask reduces the range and quantity of these droplets coming from the person wearing the mask.

I will be wearing a mask in public for the foreseeable future, not to protect myself, but to protect others if I am infectious.

strangesam + 1

Only protection for yourself is Level 3 or N95 masks which is what all front-line and NHS workers are wearing, it is pretty much impossible to buy these at the moment.

Here at the chapel we experimented with distance as we have put a counter in at the entrance, wanted to check that the 2m was enough, I stood on one side and Ovenpaa on the other, he laughed, shouted, spoke, coughed, 2m was minimum as I could feel his breath on my face when he shouted, smell coffee when he laughed. We are not open to the public and won't be until the Government says so and we are ready. We are of course machining and still shipping.

Please be aware about distance and how far everything carries.

For what it's worth, I'm front line NHS. I wear a surgical mask, eye protection, apron and gloves for all patient contact. If there are likely to be any aerosol generating procedures I wear a full powered respirator hood and either Tyvek suit or sleeved gown. My hand hygiene is obsessive. I don't wear uniform to or from work. I sanitise the car handles, steering wheel, gearstick and gear selector every time I get in or out. My uniform goes in a bag as soon as I finish shift and then goes direct into the waiting opened washing machine when I get in.
I've not set foot in a shop since it all began. I've not been out for exercise, not been to any friends or relatives houses, even socially distancing.

I'm currently off work having tested positive for covid 19 on Friday.

My suggestion? If you don't need to go out, don't. All the protective equipment in the world won't guarantee you won't get it.

I'm lucky, so far my symptoms are mild (so far) but I have a friend fitter than me that was in ICU in March following contracting it. Yes the elderly and those with underlying health conditions are hit worse, but relative youth and good health don't guarantee mild symptoms.

Bovril

Bovril hope your symptoms stay mild and thank you for your service.

Bovril, you have the best wishes of the whole community I'm sure. And as Dromia said, thank you for your service.
My sister is an ICU nurse and was quarantined for having symptoms (before testing was really available) several weeks ago. She made a quick recovery and was back at work a couple of weeks later. Hopefully your recovery is as smooth as hers was.

Bovril best wishes and hope you recover quickly. A huge Thank you for your service.

I certainly echo the sentiments of our fellow forumites.