Masks and Scarves

The recommendation that face coverings should be worn on shopping trips where social distancing is difficult has caused some distress in Fantasy Bob's household.

Mrs FB has examined the guidance with her typical forensic attention and has noted that face covering is not to be interpreted as a mask.  Scarves are suggested as a viable alternative. This has caused her some concern.  Mrs FB has a collection of scarves of the highest quality.  These are not your woolly muffler type things, but high fashion accessories in the finest silk.  The name Hermes crops up repeatedly.

Hermes - La Folle Parade scarf

The Hermes scarf  (to quote an authoritative source) 'has proven its power to transcend age and to appeal to a diverse range of wearers. Famously adopted by icons from Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn to Queen Elizabeth II, Madonna and Mrs FB, the scarf provides the wearer the versatility to adapt to any style and situation.'

This might be an indication that the manufacturers would consider it a suitable aid to the fighting of COVID.  But Mrs FB is not convinced and was anxious enough on this point to have sought FB's opinion.

'Don't you think that popping in for a pint of milk with a Hermes scarf on might be overdressing?'  she asked.

Overdressing is not a concept with which FB is overly familiar, his understanding being limited to whether one or two sweaters would be appropriate to the climactic conditions.  So he wasn't able to offer much by way of help.  He mumbled as much.  This did not endear him to his life partner who, amidst speculation as to why she had bothered, suggested that his response simply confirmed a long track record of general uselessness on questions of fashion and probably most other things while she was at it. 

As silence resumed, FB returned to his own worries.  He too has examined the guidance and has noted that there is nothing said as to how this new requirement will apply to cricketers.  He is sure that expert guidance will be forthcoming. He is sure the science will be followed.  But for now  Clarity is in short supply on what appears to him the most pressing issue. What are the implications of face coverings for the cricket tea?

It is time the SAGE committee donned its facial coverings and addressed this vital issue.