Last year, where I worked the were constant shortages of these masks. I had to be fit tested 3 different times in a short period with different types. I have always hated the darn things. You are absolutely correct regarding the value of those ridiculously absurd surgical masks that the vast majority of people are still wearing, at least around here in my area. They do absolutely nothing to protect from viruses and they can result in re-breathing CO2 issues.
One can have a ‘normal’ O2 Sat while still not ventilating properly due to excess Carbon Dioxide in the bloodstream. The sheep seem to only be aware of what they see on the TV and that to me is unsettling.
Besides being required to wear them at work my asthma specialist told me to wear one during flu season but he also explained their faults. He only wanted me to wear one when in crowds. I wore them during the really bad flu seasons but I did so by referring back to my training with the N95. I wore them but never depended on them and never for more than a few minutes at a time.
now what good did they do?....probably just a defensive move on the part of hospitals so they don't have to spit out cash to sick nurses and technicians....