Masks are prudent, considering that they are a very low risk and low cost prevention intervention, irrespective of demonstrating efficacy. True, it takes a lon

Masks are prudent, considering that they are a very low risk and low cost prevention intervention, irrespective of demonstrating efficacy. True, it takes a long time (often very long) to establish factual information that becomes widely accepted, but that is not the issue here. Also, the scientific method and peer-review process cannot be altered, and these processes (along with always following a strict code of ethics, staying updated on ethical matters, never compromising on ethics, and never losing sight of all of the above—ever) are even more important during a pandemic. Implying that these processes should be altered is unethical and unconscionable. We have known that SARS-CoV-2 spreads via respiratory droplets, and that it was, most likely, by far, the main mode of transmission (although that would have needed to be demonstrated too, in a pandemic). Wearing a face mask to capture some of those respiratory droplets (even 10%) would at least help, and would not be insignificant if people are required to wear them in public. We know that cloth masks capture more than that though. Also, based on a case report, it is possible that up to 80% of COVID-19 infections are asymptomatic. Considering that, and the fact that it is spread mainly by respiratory droplets, it is prudent to require the public to wear at least cloth masks. Czech Republic (along with Slovak Republic—Slovakia) required people to wear face masks in public starting around March 13, and was one of the first western countries to require this. They are now easing restrictions and are doing well. One of the countries I am sovereign to, Croatia, (US is the other one) has not had any reported coronavirus infections for 3 days in a row. You know, a former war-torn Yugoslav country, still feeling the after effects, with a relatively high and rapidly accelerating quality of life, by western standards. Stuff like mask wearing is not rocket science.