On the mask question - the gentleman quoted in this article is correct: it would be a big mistake not to wear a mask in public... in China - where in most places, it's literally impossible to practice proper social distancing because of high population density. https://twitter.com/epileptologo/status/1244453770710462464

Here in #ldnont and @CountyMiddlesex, it's generally quite possible to go out in public and keep your distance from others. If you are out in public and unable to keep 6 feet from others, then you are not doing physical distancing properly.

Here's a more balanced piece on the mask issue: https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/03/would-everyone-wearing-face-masks-help-us-slow-pandemic#

Masks are most useful for:
- sick people to avoid spewing droplets when they cough, sneeze, or talk (yes, talking can release driplets)
- healthcare providers who have to have close face-to-face contact with ill people.

There is an argument that if you have to have significant face-to-face contact with a large number of people (eg. hundreds on a crowded subway), a mask might help. It's a fair point, but keeping your distance is a much better idea.

There are risks to wearing masks when it's not called for. Wearing a mask can be somewhat irritating, and can cause a person to inadvertently and unconsciously touch their face more often, potentially exposing themselves to germs.

Also, there is a shortage of masks right now.