Things would be a lot different right now. I always assumed that masks were at least somewhat effective, because all we heard was how much the front line medical workers needed them. It was clear to me that the guidance to the general public about masks being unnecessary was an attempt to prevent hoarding and a shortage of PPE for doctors, nurses, etc. Fine, but as far as I'm concerned, that created much of the resistance to wearing masks now. People now either assume masks still aren't necessary, or they distrust the government. I can't say I blame them.

I honestly don't know if non-N95 masks help much or not. I've seen both arguments made. My reason for wearing one is because I recognized that we were all going to be totally screwed if wholesale lockdowns continued at length, and if mask usage would help lift restrictions and make people feel safe enough to begin venturing out, then it is a small sacrifice for me to make for the greater good.