See my reply to nisuni above. I was referring to DIY masks, which is what the topic is about. Masks are definitely critical for health professionals interacting with those who are sick.
I suppose so, though pre-edit certainly seemed to be masks generally, including a WHO statement on masks generally. Not to mention there have been some vigorous arguments on HN where people dismiss masks wholesale (including N95 masks).
Though while dismissing DIY masks, it's worth noting that the CDC is now telling actual front-line workers to fashion masks out of bandanas, etc. Anything that slows/scatters air is going to have some effectiveness.
Though while dismissing DIY masks, it's worth noting that the CDC is now telling actual front-line workers to fashion masks out of bandanas, etc. Anything that slows/scatters air is going to have some effectiveness.