People should wear masks; masks may help. The real problem with scientists being overly optimistic about masks is that it causes some people to think they don'

People should wear masks; masks may help. The real problem with scientists being overly optimistic about masks is that it causes some people to think they don't need to take any other measures - all the need to do is put a mask on. We see people saying that we should reopen pubs or churches (both places with serious risk of spreading covid) because we can get people to wear a mask.