Those surgical masks may not be doing much either due to improper use. As they get wet due to moisture in the breath they become less permeable causing more of

Those surgical masks may not be doing much either due to improper use. As they get wet due to moisture in the breath they become less permeable causing more of the air to be vented out the sides rather than through the membrane. Perhaps this could still decrease the radius of infection even in this suboptimal state.