Thought: face mask wearing is absolutely a political decision, yes, but it does not mean it is wrong.

Unless governments took very decisive action early, see , once an outbreak is established the only thing that can be done is an economically damaging lockdown.

No government can afford to furlough and pay its populace for long enough to completely suppress the virus to elimination (21 days at least after the last case recovers or dies)

To reopen shops, hospitality, leisure, and allow people out, face masks will limit transmission.

And even the most ardent socialist must acknowledge that if the economy is in ruins, a program of beneficial policies for those most vulnerable will be much more difficult.

Masks reduce the likelihood of onward transmission, the more people wear masks, the less transmission there will be.

Basically if you don't want to be locked in your house for three months eating a bland but nutritionally balanced gel, wear the damn mask.