During class we discussed how mask, how they do lower transmission, it is very minimal and provides no more protection from others transmitting it to you. We were also told that the mask essentially is a means to remind us not to touch our face. Considering certain areas are requiring people to wear mask, it is more of a disciplinary use. Though that begs the question, what about people who don't realize what the mask are truly for? I've seen people not wearing mask, but there is truly no way of knowing why they aren't. Could it be because they know that mask have limited effects, or could it be that they don't know that mask are meant as a physical reminder not to touch the T-zone?
Everything your state could be the reason why people are not wearing masks or think that just by wearing a mask, they are protected. Although the science does not support protection from transmission by wearing a mask, transmission by someone talking or coughing who has the virus might be lessened. Infection involves the number of viral particles that are being transmitted. Masks could lower this but usually someone with the virus is not out and about anyway. An infected person in the incubation period who does not know they are infected and does not have symptoms is not shedding very much virus. So the chances of them infecting someone is low but not nonexistent.
The other problem is that people aren't wearing masks correctly. The mask has to stick to all surfaces surrounding your nose and mouth; a virus can get through even the smallest of gaps between the mask and your face. People with beards and mustaches have a real problem here. The N95 mask is made to touch all of your cheeks, over your nose, your nostrils, upper lip and all across your chin. Plus they have a filter. I have seen people wearing their mask under their nose!!!
I have also had people tell me