Alan1701 wrote:I gather a lot (if not most) of the mask wearing in asia is due to pollution. They may be worn more generally here post-covid however i suspect if govts kept them mandatory that would be a problem for large sections of society. Personally, I just wouldn't bother going to a theatre, gig or any event where i had to sit for hours in a mask and suspect many wouldn't either. A way has to be found around them somehow otherwise i suspect live entertainment is just going to disappear.
Yes, many do wear masks in SE Asia to protect against pollution. My point was that more people wore masks, prior to covid, for a variety of reasons. It wasn't uncommon to see people wearing masks on (AC) BTS and subway train, in shopping malls, as well as on the streets, on motorbikes (though I didn't see any wearing them in cars)- so for a variety of reasons, including if they had coughs, colds or sore throats.
During the early stages of covid, I additionally saw them wearing masks in shops, banks, restaurants, as well as buses and trains. My point was that it's a more common and accepted practice there, and people more used to it there, and that it may be something that we we may have to start getting used to here in the UK., whether we like it or not.