So, what's the DU consensus re: Mask, no-mask?

[Jirel]

56. Masks are becoming fetishized by people who use them wrong.

Do you have an effective mask? Do you follow actual PPE protocols rigorously? Will you still act like neither you nor anyone else is wearing a mask?

If so, suit yourself. If the answer to any of those is no, you and those around you are likely better off following CDC and WHO guidelines and NOT wearing one.

* An ineffective mask is window dressing that gives false security to the wearer and those around them. That causes them to skimp on other important social distancing measures.

* if you’re doing it wrong - and most people do - you have a higher risk of getting germs where they’re no supposed to go on you and others.

Common stupid things people in masks do:
* lax social distancing.
* pulling the mask down, scratching under it, readjusting it - every one of those is touching their face more with contaminated hands, than if they weren’t wearing a mask
* reusing a mask that has been taken off, or putting it on a surface where it will contaminate other things
* taking a mask off without appropriate PPE protocol, getting the mask’s germs all over themselves.

There’s a good reason CDC and WHO say no, and it ain’t just about the shortage.