[kjaftaedi]

The person you are replying to is saying 'if sufficient masks can be supplied in the future'.

Given the distance the virus can travel, the length of time it can live outside the body, how long it can stay in the air after being aerosolized (transmitted via cough). It makes sense to get masks on as many people as possible.. because it's the healthy people who think they are fine, coughing in public places that are the most likely to spread it.

Again, this is assuming supply ramps up and is sufficient to make this a reality, obviously all healthcare worker needs should be met first, but going further to protect the general public should be something to strive for.