How are they supposed to work then?
Unless it is an N95 mask properly fitted to your face, a mask does not prevent you from inhaling aerosol virus. If you have the virus, the mask does inhibit somewhat your ability to project the virus by absorbing moisture droplets that you exhale.
i know right? i believe mask does help, even if it is only 1%, i had a liver transplant, so i take many precautions, mask is only a small part of it. i wash my hands more frequently, especially after i return from outside. i know i will not be 100% protected, but i try to get as close as possible.
if people don’t WANT to wear them, just say so, don’t make excuses like “it does not help”. this is not black or white. if it is good for a doctor, it is good enough for me. and yes, i use good medical masks imported from Taiwan. don’t use those stupid faux cloth fashion masks.
it is your choice, and i choose to wear one. (in addition to other precautions) i don’t want to be in that ~1% of people who die from it.
“Supposed to” and reality are two very different things.