Yeah, lockdowns could probably have been avoided in most of the world if decent surgical masks had been shipped to each citizen, and they complied with wearing them.
the principle mitigation is distancing. lockdowns are wholly unnecessary if distancing adequately, because they add no marginal benefit on top of distancing (ignoring the obvious political dimension of benefits).
also, use a mask when distancing (indoors with strangers) isn't possible, but understand that masks are inferior to distancing for a host of reasons, including the non-transivity of controlled tests to the wider world and its astonishing variety. masks also add little marginal benefit on top of distancing for most folks, particularly if not meticulously adhering to a long list of proper usage rules.
distance, it does a body good (in these covid times).
Because of the potential aerosol transmission, I'd say we should wear masks when indoors regardless of whether anyone is nearby in the moment. People may occupy the same area later.
also, use a mask when distancing (indoors with strangers) isn't possible, but understand that masks are inferior to distancing for a host of reasons, including the non-transivity of controlled tests to the wider world and its astonishing variety. masks also add little marginal benefit on top of distancing for most folks, particularly if not meticulously adhering to a long list of proper usage rules.
distance, it does a body good (in these covid times).