As new, extended, mask-wearing rules come into force on 8 August in the UK, this chart looks at how wearing a mouth and nose covering is becoming the 'new normal' for the majority of the public. As detailed by the government, "Face coverings will be made mandatory in a greater number of public indoor settings, such as museums, galleries, cinemas and public libraries" from Saturday.

According to the latest YouGov survey, 69 percent of people in the UK say they already wear a face mask when in public places, the latest in a steep rise since the start of June when only around 20 percent were choosing to do so. People in the UK have been relatively late in adopting this new behaviour. While countries such as Germany, France, Italy and Spain peaked and levelled off at between 65 and 85 percent around the beginning of May, the UK government, and public, have been far more hesitant.

by Martin Armstrong, Aug 7, 2020

1. Mask wearing
In Asian countries, face masks are an accepted part of everyday life, which might be one reason death rates from the coronavirus there are relatively low. It’s common in those nations to wear masks to control respiratory droplets especially during cold, flu and hay fever seasons. In Japan, face masks are nearly universal in public areas, despite not being mandated. Though relatively new to our culture, masks have now morphed into fashion statements (just look at Nancy Pelosi’s matching masks and outfits). The company Second Wind, whose masks include decorative chains, recently told the New York Times that within just 24 hours of announcing a pre-sale on Instagram last July, the company sold 10,000 products. When rules that require mask wearing are eventually lifted, it’s possible the habit may become permanent, at least when people are indoors in crowded spaces like bars, restaurants and arenas.
In a recent white paper, the professional consulting services firm Deloitte reports “A short-term regulatory intervention, like compulsory face masks, can trigger a settling-in period which influences the ‘new normal.'”

By Sheryl Kraft February 5, 2021