[peterwwillis]

If you're not infected, a mask doesn't cover your eyes, so you can still get the virus in the same way you would by breathing near an infected person. And you're probably going to think you're safe, and then touch an infected surface, and then touch your face/eyes. Congrats, your dinky non-N95 mask was pointless.

If you are infected, just use any mask. Your breath still escapes from an N95 mask's corners, spreading the virus nearby, and probably onto your hands. Sure, it won't projectile-travel as far, but it's still spilling out onto nearby surfaces/people.

In Asia, face masks have been trendy ever since the avian flu. But tons of studies showed that this had no significant effect on reducing people getting sick, because eyes, and touching face. The masks are just a psychological thing at this point.

[amanaplanacanal]

So how do you know if you are infected?