1/ A UK doctor on @BBCWorld News told listeners NOT to wear masks coz “people don’t wear them properly, e.g. they don’t cover their noses. Only medical workers should...” By this logic, unless folks will flu symptoms magically become mask experts, should they go maskless?

2. The proper response should have been “Folks, pls wear a mask to slow the spread of the #coronavirus. But make sure you cover both your mouth and your nose with it. And for more info on how to wear a mask properly, watch this YouTube video...”

3. If the authorities don’t want people to wear masks because there’s a shortage, then call it a shortage instead of telling them masks aren’t effective. Don’t lie to your people, don’t insult their intelligence, and most importantly, don’t expose them to public health risks.

4. Don’t blame Asian people for “wearing all the masks and leaving medical workers in US/Europe with none.” We shouldn’t be criticized for taking sensible anti-contagion measures. Blame your governments for not taking the outbreak seriously early on and managing the supply chain.

5. We in HK feel your pain—the city went through a period of shortages too. That’s why there are efforts in HK to donate 100,000s of masks to the US. Meanwhile, stay home if you don’t have a mask; but of you must go out to get food, then cover your mouth/nose to avoid droplets.