They're certainly not pointless otherwise by that logic the NHS workers might as well just care for patients in the nude and save everyone the trouble.
But they're only as useful as the person who wears them. Social distancing still needs to be actioned whilst wearing masks otherwise their usefulness lessens and as such the risk rises.
This is where I completely agree with scientists and medical practitioners who fear that masks may give off a false sense of security to people.
The confusion over all this is a major problem
That WHO video, to me, seems a bit contradictory.
She says the masks she demonstrates (fluid resistant surgical mask) won't really protect you alone. She said you need to take other precautions.
She said wear one if you've got symptoms (obs to protect others).
But if you're in a room with someone who's got the bug, you should put one on.
Why? She's just said alone they won't protect you.
Am I missing something?
I see a lot of people out and about with masks and that makes me think they've got the bug, so they should be at home self-isolating. However, they could have it but have no symptoms, so they're being nice and trying to protect others, just in case.
Just think the official messages need to be crystal clear and that WHO video doesn't do it for me.