I would guess the masks even helped with the spread of the virus. They were never meant to be worn continuously; all they do in that case is trap viruses near the mouth and nose where they do the most damage. And you have to constantly touch your face to keep the mask adjusted properly.
"Frequently wash your hands...avoid touching your face" disappeared from CDC-speak when the masks appeared.
“I would guess the masks even helped with the spread of the virus.”
I believe that was one of the reasons for the government push to wear them.