@Chizoid I've wondered about that. How many people use the single-use masks (which I believe are least effective for preventing spread of the virus) just once? My guess is millions are using masks incorrectly for one reason only...compliance.

@coalburned Masks are nothing more than theater, virtue signaling by accessory.

@Chizoid Unfortunately, you also cough when there is a foreign object(virus, bacteria e,t.c) in the lungs, not just in your throat. If you are infected with the virus, it is not reabsorbed by breathing it back in from your own cough. A virus bypasses the "several layers of defence" by simply either being breathed in via an infected persons cough or gaining access via the hand (having touched an infected item) to mouth/eyes/nose. Personal hygiene can help combat the latter, wearing a mask, the former.

@Chizoid, @coalburned Incorrect mask wearing may have another reason other than compliance.

@maxmaccc Here's my take on this issue. Where covid is concerned, every little bit helps. I consider masks to be the "little bit". If you want to wear them, great! But don't force me to wear one. I believe we have been lied to extensively about the severity of covid-19. Yes, it's real, yes it's serious, but so is every flu virus. I know there are people who are genuinely afraid of the virus, some for a very good reason, and I don't blame them for wanting to take every precaution. I also know there are people who wear masks because "that's what our side does". If you fall into that category, fine...I don't give a flip what motivates a person. Wearing a mask isn't a crime. But I strongly object to the govt telling me I have to wear one when they don't have the data to back it up. The CDC admits cloth masks are only half as effective as surgical masks. If the govt really thought masks were the answer, why not make it mandatory that we all have to wear surgical grade or better? Maybe there are newer studies I haven't seen, but I see the mandatory wearing of masks as a knee-jerk reaction that makes little sense based on what we know at this time.

@Chizoid The old and people with underlying health issues are particularly vulnerable to this virus. It is absorbed by certain types of cells, bypassing the defences(white cells) so the body does not recognise it until it destroys the cell it inhabits. A mask is a preventative measure anyone can take as an empathetic action.

@coalburned I saw a video recently of a local woman on a ventilator She died two days later. Her husband showed me the video. If wearing a mask can prevent not only the death of the woman, but also the sadness felt by her loved ones, count me in. I don't understand why there's such a lack of empathy in a country that declares itself to hold Christian values.

@maxmaccc What you described is tragic, and I'm sure many of us here know someone who has died from the virus. My point is simply this: there is absolutely no proof that a mask would have prevented that woman's death. That said, if you think they might keep you from getting the virus, go ahead and wear one...it's your choice. I don't think they're beneficial, so I want the government to mind their own business and leave the wearing of masks a personal choice.

@coalburned Wearing a mask is not a political statement as some on the Right try to portray it. Wearing a mask helps prevent and slow the spread of the virus. It is an act of consideration for your fellow humans, health service workers and has zero negative impact on the wearers life. If i can help in some small way by wearing a mask then it's a no brainer for me. If politics dominates your every simple decision, influenced by either an individual politician or political party, then maybe it would be good to take a break from that bubble and consider what has happened to your humanity.

@maxmaccc Well, I can't say I'm surprised by your response. I'm afraid you'll have to try that ploy on someone else.

@coalburned Please elaborate on my perceived"ploy". I'd be interested in your thought process.

@LordFoul According to you. Well, that has changed my mind then.

if you are sick stay home, you should not be in a grocery store.

@lukewarm You can be infected and not exhibit any symptoms for a period of time.

@lukewarm Yeah, what the other guy said. There is a period where you can be contagious to others before you know you're sick.

I completely agree with you. It is sad that we have become a divided society that seem to care little for the welfare of others. After reading what it is like to be on a ventilator it is not something I would wish on anybody and if my wearing a mask helps me not get Covid and potentially spreading it, even to one other person, then it is what I will do. It is interesting how tough and not needing a mask changes when a loved one is dying in a hospital and cannot even see family other than via some screen. Even if you survive the long term health impacts can be just as devastating. This is one time where god and guns cannot provide protection, assuming the UK population is somewhat representative of other civilized societies. [ons.gov.uk]

@xerxes Thank you. I originally wrote another paragraph in response to you before I realized I'm preaching to the choir. You already agree with me.... You know what I want to say.

I really just don't understand why some people value their "freedom" to not wear a face mask over the potential of saving someone else's life.

I heard y'all had no choice but to wear them. Sorry you're dealing with that, but hopefully not for too long.

@coalburned amen

So wearing a mask works for you, and that's good. We need to know alternatives to that point of view, so thank you. And it doesn't work for most others for the reasons stated in the post.

@TimTuolomne I didn't word my comment right or fully, I should have added when I wrote, Wrong, on both counts, "with me" I left those two words out, but not on purpose, so sorry about that. Thank you for making me realise that. I wish you well.