[jeepertrains]

I’ll believe that when all of the doctors and nurses in hospitals stop wearing them during surgery like they have been for 50+ years say they are useless.

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Stop using this analogy please.

There is a big difference between doctor or nurse having a mask put on sterilely by others before going into a “clean environment” and Billy or Betty grabbing a 2 week old mask off the dash of his truck before going into Homedepot. That mask is a “fomite” carrying around all your past experiences, germs, etc from the previous days.

I respect your right to wear one, If you can respect my right not too. But stop with the false narrative.

[Tennessee Conservative]

I will always respect your right not to wear one but IMO, if they are effective for medical personnel they should be almost as effective for me or they aren’t for anybody. My dentist and hygienist were wearing them way before covid and they definitely are not in a sterile environment the way a doctor in surgery is.

You do what you do. I’ll do what I do. Neither of us is wrong unless it’s to say they are 100% effective or 100% not effective.

[stylin19a]

that's another good point...those blue masks are generally supposed to be "one and done".
How many of us carry them around and use them forever...

FDA even makes a distinction (without a difference) between face masks and surgical masks. FDA even says surgical masks sux rocks as protection - even N95s are not fool-proof

FDA Q&A here: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/face-masks-including-surgical-masks-and-respirators-covid-19

-Face masks: A mask, with or without a face shield, that covers the user's nose and mouth and may or may not meet fluid barrier or filtration efficiency levels.
Face masks that are not intended for a medical purpose are not considered medical devices. Face masks may be used by the general public and health care personnel as source control in accordance with CDC recommendations on Interim Infection Prevention and Control.

-Surgical masks: A mask that covers the user's nose and mouth and provides a physical barrier to fluids and particulate materials.
Surgical masks intended for medical purposes are considered medical devices. The mask meets certain fluid barrier protection standards and Class I or Class II flammability tests. Surgical masks are also tested for biocompatibility and are considered personal protective equipment (PPE). While a surgical mask may be effective in blocking splashes and large-particle droplets, they do not provide complete protection from germs and other contaminants because of the loose fit between the surface of the mask and your face. Surgical masks are not respiratory protective devices such as respirators. Too many anecdotal stories about people absolutely adhering to mask & distancing guidelines getting COVID.

COVID is like honey badger...