[SpicyLemonZest]

The WHO is, unfortunately, not a reliable source. They've repeatedly lied throughout the course of this pandemic. This is probably a well-intentioned one to preserve the global supply of masks, unlike previous lies which served only to make China look good, but the bottom line is that you shouldn't trust what they have to say.

[eden_hazard]

CDC has said the same. Now people defend them saying they lied because they didn't want the public to hoard them but mask supply chains have been effected since probably January. I went to multiple Home Depots (upstate NY) end of February and they all told me they've been out of stock for more than a month. We couldn't hoard them even if we wanted to. Why even lie? It's pretty damn infuriating. Sk, HK, and Taiwan all have it under control because people there have been a lot more careful. They don't leave the house without a mask. Meanwhile in NYC, people were all casual about it up until maybe last week. Partly because of the delay in government response.

[graposaymaname]

I myself have quoted the WHO and asked my friends not to wear them unless they're sick. Shouldnt have :(

Even in HN, until last week there were many articles linking to studies which said that surgical masks were not proven to reduce your chances of getting the virus.