If you wear a mask for any reason

[cd288]

Data the CDC posted:

Increasing distance between spreader and receiver decreased the number of infectious particles inhaled. (Figure 1).

Cloth and surgical mask-wearing (respectively) at a distance of 50 cm (1.6 feet) resulted in (Figure 2):
- 57%–58% and 73%–76% decrease in viral load and infectious virus titer, respectively, received when the spreader was masked.
- 37%–50% and 17%–47% decrease in viral load and infectious virus titer, respectively, received when the receiver was masked.
- 60%–71% and 68%–76% decrease in viral load and infectious virus titer, respectively, received when both the spreader and the receiver were masked.


So basically, it's great when both people wear masks. They may not be as great at keeping you from getting sick, but they are definitely good for reducing viral load you may expel. And since so many people get it but are asymptomatic, it's good to wear the mask to ensure you aren't spreading it without your knowledge. We reduce the viral load being expelled and you just might be able to prevent someone who was in the same space from getting sick because the amount of viral load is really key in terms of whether someone gets sick when they inhale it.