[Mick]

At the same time, we think masks are effective at mitigating infection transmission, but we don't know how effective they are.  Do they reduce infection by 25%, 90%, or 99.9%?  So, if you are with someone wearing a mask, are you basically safe, or are you still at risk?

I think we have a better feel for what is risky and what is safe, but it is still not perfect.  We are probably doing some things (or avoiding some things) that don't material reduce our risk, but unfortunately, we don't know for sure which activities these are.

BC

I don't know enough to say, and I've done a fair amount of reading. I laugh at most masks. I've seen plenty examples of flimsy masks, improperly-worn masks which do not cover the wearer's nose, and -- my personal favorite -- people who pull down their masks to cough or sneeze (at which point, I make a beeline in the other direction, particularly if I'm indoors). I've come to the conclusion that, outside of medical-grade masks, wearing masks is largely cosmetic, to make us feel better. Other than my house, I still won't go indoors if I don't absolutely have to.

[Mick]

At the same time, we think masks are effective at mitigating infection transmission, but we don't know how effective they are.  Do they reduce infection by 25%, 90%, or 99.9%?  So, if you are with someone wearing a mask, are you basically safe, or are you still at risk?

I think we have a better feel for what is risky and what is safe, but it is still not perfect.  We are probably doing some things (or avoiding some things) that don't material reduce our risk, but unfortunately, we don't know for sure which activities these are.

BC

I don't know enough to say, and I've done a fair amount of reading. I laugh at most masks. I've seen plenty examples of flimsy masks, improperly-worn masks which do not cover the wearer's nose, and -- my personal favorite -- people who pull down their masks to cough or sneeze (at which point, I make a beeline in the other direction, particularly if I'm indoors). I've come to the conclusion that, outside of medical-grade masks, wearing masks is largely cosmetic, to make us feel better. Other than my house, I still won't go indoors if I don't absolutely have to.