Having lived in areas that commonly use masks to control yearly influenza, I have to disagree. Even if the basic instruction of 'don't touch the front' is igno

Having lived in areas that commonly use masks to control yearly influenza, I have to disagree. Even if the basic instruction of 'don't touch the front' is ignored, they still reduce exposure. The contaminants stuck to the surface of the mask are less dangerous on the mask (even if you touch it), than on your face or in your lungs. Even if the mask is changed infrequently and reused. Viruses on droplets stuck to the mask are dying remember, and hastened by just sunlight. Or a washing machine for cloth masks or improvised masks like scarves. And personally I found wearing masks to reduce face touching, as they serve as a reminder and reduce tickles like hair brushing your face. I'd much rather be surrounded by people reducing their chance of being infected, even if 'ordinary people' incapable of following basic instruction and completely lacking common sense. Reduced exposure means slower transmission and fewer people infected at any one time.