the great mask debate

Let's try this analogy:

Level 1: No air filter = no mask.
Level 2: Metal screen over the air intake = cloth mask
Level 3: Paper air filter = gas/paint mask.

I doubt anyone would argue about level 1. In both cases, whatever comes along is going to be ingested.

In the case of level 2, a metal screen will keep larger particles out of an engine, like rocks or the stray Honda, but driving it down a dirt road at the back of a caravan would be a mistake. In the same way, a cloth mask will keep larger particles out like if someone were to sneeze on your face. But it won't keep smoke out which means it won't keep C19 out as it is smaller than smoke when it is in aerosol form. Nor will it really keep you from spreading it when you talk, yell, cough or sneeze since that air has to go somewhere. Since most masks are loose around the nose and cheeks it goes right out the sides to form a cloud for someone to walk through.

Level 3 is where people need to be if they really want to feel protected, but I have yet to see anyone walking around a store in a gas mask. I want to do it just once to see how people would react.

Here's the issue I have: we are told to wear masks as if they will protect us and yet I don't see any more protection than not wearing a mask. Can I do what I am asked to do? Sure, do it all the time, which includes wearing a mask if it makes other more comfortable. But I don't see the logic in it if it doesn't offer any more protection than no mask at all.

I have loved ones that feel a whole lot better wearing masks. More power to them, I am glad they feel more safe. What scares me is that they could still get sick because the last time I checked, illusions don't effect reality.

Here's my theory on the mask mandates. People need to feel like they are in control, and even more they need to feel like the people in authority are in control. So when something like this comes along, they have to have an answer or feel the wrath of the people that expect one. So the answer is masks, even if they can't tell you how they are supposed to protect anyone when unfiltered air goes around them, and aerosol vapors right through them. Reminds me a lot of The Emperor's New Clothes.

Just glad C19 isn't a death sentence like some seem to think it is. Not saying it can't be deadly, but based on the numbers (even as skewed as they are), most people recover (I know several personally). Do I want it? No, but I don't want the flu or a cold either and don't expect anyone to shut down the world to protect me from something that they can't.

Last point, I do agree that social distance when sick and hand washing helps. Practiced that for years; if I have a cold, don't shake hands and keep my distance and wash mine often to keep from getting one. But this is (used to be?) common sense. Now we have to be told to do it?