[Snorlax94]

I should add that for most people, the mask is probably most effective as a signaling device.  As Mick recounted in his anecdote, seeing someone with a mask is an immediate reminder that there is an pandemic going on and that a random person on the airplane you have just seen with a mask could be sick.

This touches upon one of my big peeves, and even now, the WHO keeps saying masks should not be worn by all people, and in fact say people could harm themselves wearing a mask.

Countries in Asia like Taiwan, S Korea, Singapore and (SAR) Hong Kong use masks and they implore the world to use them.

If non-healthcare workers wear them incorrectly, then teach people. 

I absolutely agree that with a shortage of PPE, healthcare workers should be prioritized. Of course.

But I get so frustrated because now the goal is to build enough ppe for healthcare workers,  but our goal should be to build enough PPE for everyone, covering healthcare workers first.

Countries that have contained covid thus far (and have a lot more experience with SARS) recommend the general public wear masks. Maybe it’s social signalling, maybe it traps in spray from people who are asymptomatic, maybe it actually protects people. It doesn’t matter why, the US should be mobilizing far more resources to build massive amounts of ppe — first for healthcare workers, then for all Americans, then to share with the world.

[Snorlax94]

I should add that for most people, the mask is probably most effective as a signaling device.  As Mick recounted in his anecdote, seeing someone with a mask is an immediate reminder that there is an pandemic going on and that a random person on the airplane you have just seen with a mask could be sick.

This touches upon one of my big peeves, and even now, the WHO keeps saying masks should not be worn by all people, and in fact say people could harm themselves wearing a mask.

Countries in Asia like Taiwan, S Korea, Singapore and (SAR) Hong Kong use masks and they implore the world to use them.

If non-healthcare workers wear them incorrectly, then teach people. 

I absolutely agree that with a shortage of PPE, healthcare workers should be prioritized. Of course.

But I get so frustrated because now the goal is to build enough ppe for healthcare workers,  but our goal should be to build enough PPE for everyone, covering healthcare workers first.

Countries that have contained covid thus far (and have a lot more experience with SARS) recommend the general public wear masks. Maybe it’s social signalling, maybe it traps in spray from people who are asymptomatic, maybe it actually protects people. It doesn’t matter why, the US should be mobilizing far more resources to build massive amounts of ppe — first for healthcare workers, then for all Americans, then to share with the world.