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@Pat I have effectively not needed to wear one as I've stayed out of places where I cant maintain distance. I dont think I had to wear one once except for the one time I had to go to a notary. I get all my groceries delivered for example. The few times I have been in spaces where I couldnt distance was by the time the mask mandates were lifted.
@freemo
What kind of mask did you wear to the notary?
CDC put the mask recommendations back in place, but most folks didn't hear about that.
Most stores where I'm at have reinstated a mask requirement.
@Pat I dont think businesses here would require masks except by law. In fact, even now with it being a law a lot of businesses outright refuse in protest. Most of the corner stores here and mom and pop stores will go out of their way to tell you they think masks are silly for one reason or another.
You know my opinion on masks, I think they probably (though I cant be certain as the data is sketchy) that in the hands of the general public wearing them probably causes the virus to spread faster rather than the intended effect of slowing it down.
Of course, thays why i prefer to maintain distance and avoid scenarios where a mask is needed at all, safer than needing to put my theory to the test, that way I dont risk anyone either way.
Yes, not being in public places is the safest way.
The variables are continually changing though because of variants, immunity fade, etc. The variants are so transmissible now that source control with cloth or surgical masks probably doesn't make sense anymore. Also, social distancing is not very effective either since it's basically an airborne disease now like measles. That's why I now recommend respirators for personal protection (PPE), rather than masks as source control.
@Pat I suspect respirators, much like masks, promote the spread of disease rather than hinder it when used in the way the general public tends to use it. If people used it properly it might have some advantage, but most people pull them down to eat and drink regularly and dont change them out often, which likely promotes the disease more than stopping it.
Sadly without good data either way its only speculation.
@freemo
I don't think we have a law right now that requires stores to do it.
Yesterday, I went to my tailor's shop and they had a sign on the door that said masks were required, but when I walked in, none of the staff were wearing masks. But they quickly put them on after I walked in. If anyone there was infected, I'm sure the shop was filled with airborne virus.