[Mick]

I use the mask to protect other people from me.  Though I have no reason to believe that I would be COVID-19 positive, there is a small possibility that I have the virus and don't know it.  They are most effective in preventing someone who is sick from generating droplets.  The second purpose is to remind everyone else that we are in the midst of a pandemic so that everyone maintains their distance.  The third purpose is to remind me not to touch my face.  I think they are probably not very helpful if I come into direct prolonged contact with someone who is sick.

For that reason, I don't worry about a "dirty" mask.  I'd feel differently if I were a healthcare worker.

And for what it's worth, both the bank and the restaurant I went to for take out had hand sanitizer available for customers (even without making me take off my mask).

BC

That's funny.  Six weeks ago, I got on a plane where I was the only one wearing an N95 mask.  As I boarded, a first-class passenger jumped in front of me, clearly intending to impede my progress.  She demanded "Are you sick?"  I said no, this is preventive, at which point she let me pass.

Now, it's the opposite.  If you're not  wearing the mask, people flip out.  Crazy.

[Mick]

I use the mask to protect other people from me.  Though I have no reason to believe that I would be COVID-19 positive, there is a small possibility that I have the virus and don't know it.  They are most effective in preventing someone who is sick from generating droplets.  The second purpose is to remind everyone else that we are in the midst of a pandemic so that everyone maintains their distance.  The third purpose is to remind me not to touch my face.  I think they are probably not very helpful if I come into direct prolonged contact with someone who is sick.

For that reason, I don't worry about a "dirty" mask.  I'd feel differently if I were a healthcare worker.

And for what it's worth, both the bank and the restaurant I went to for take out had hand sanitizer available for customers (even without making me take off my mask).

BC

That's funny.  Six weeks ago, I got on a plane where I was the only one wearing an N95 mask.  As I boarded, a first-class passenger jumped in front of me, clearly intending to impede my progress.  She demanded "Are you sick?"  I said no, this is preventive, at which point she let me pass.

Now, it's the opposite.  If you're not  wearing the mask, people flip out.  Crazy.