3 ms·

The reason we don't is because we weren't dramatically affected by SARS. SARS in the early '00s was primarily a problem in Asia. Japanese people also have an e

by rswail 7y ago

The reason we don't is because we weren't dramatically affected by SARS. SARS in the early '00s was primarily a problem in Asia. Japanese people also have an etiquette of wearing a mask when ill to avoid spreading disease. Both of these habits are widespread in Asia because of this.

skocznymroczny 7y ago
Also in many Asian cities masks are worn due to air pollution.
- JCharante 7y ago
  and even in clean areas some people still wear them because they help keep your face warm when it's cold.
  - Markoff 7y ago
    or it's just common courtesy trying to not infect others with your illness like in Japan
  - rootsudo 7y ago
    Or, maybe because people go from clean to dirty areas.
puranjay 7y ago
I picked up this habit because of widespread pollution in New Delhi
gumby 7y ago
Mask culture in Southeast Asia (to stop disease transmission) predated SARS for decades.