[Goose]

I really don't understand why imposing on neighboring states is more acceptable than putting a damn mask on.

Obviously, it isn't. However, with the number of cases that exist in places of relatively high mask compliance (eg Santa Clara County) things in the USA and Europe are well beyond that which can be controlled by wearing masks. Masks are useful, yes. They are not fully protective. Take a look at https://www.nber.org/papers/w27891 as linked by BC. 25% improvement. Not insignificant, but not a game changer either. One can also argue that the 25% is probably a maximum benefit and that the "actual" benefit is lower.

In any case, I sometimes fear there are people out there who are thinking "I weak a mask, so I can't spread COVID or get COVID". They then behave as if they are "protected". They aren't.

[Goose]

I really don't understand why imposing on neighboring states is more acceptable than putting a damn mask on.

Obviously, it isn't. However, with the number of cases that exist in places of relatively high mask compliance (eg Santa Clara County) things in the USA and Europe are well beyond that which can be controlled by wearing masks. Masks are useful, yes. They are not fully protective. Take a look at https://www.nber.org/papers/w27891 as linked by BC. 25% improvement. Not insignificant, but not a game changer either. One can also argue that the 25% is probably a maximum benefit and that the "actual" benefit is lower.

In any case, I sometimes fear there are people out there who are thinking "I weak a mask, so I can't spread COVID or get COVID". They then behave as if they are "protected". They aren't.