The CDC was being intentionally misleading to manipulate the public instead of speaking the plain uncomfortable truth that masks are useful but in a shortage

The CDC was being intentionally misleading to manipulate the public instead of speaking the plain uncomfortable truth that masks are useful but in a shortage (caused by catastrophic government failure at a simple task of stockpiling cheap nonperishable, valuable equipment) they want you to leave masks for people who need them *more. This has been called out by at least one epidemiologist.