> One thing that I learned from a recent trip to Hong Kong is that the logic behind the masks isn't to prevent you from picking up the virus (which of course is

> One thing that I learned from a recent trip to Hong Kong is that the logic behind the masks isn't to prevent you from picking up the virus (which of course is not effective, as you just said) but to stop you from infecting others with your coughs and sneezes. Yes, this is the same advice that the CDC and WHO give. If you're unwell yourself, wear a mask to protect others. If you're not unwell, it's not necessary to wear a mask to prevent others from infecting you, as they haven't been shown to be effective when used in this way.