Another point on top of yours, at least in the EU, was that there was a plain shortage of masks and every single functioning FFP2+ mask was needed for hospitals

Another point on top of yours, at least in the EU, was that there was a plain shortage of masks and every single functioning FFP2+ mask was needed for hospitals and ICUs. I have often observed discussion on how this might have been a convenient political move in the beginning when the EU had no way to get masks except for waiting on Chinese orders. But that's the realm of conspiracy again.