[Hoot Gibson]

I wear a mask when I am in public out of respect for those who believe that they are effective. The truth is, if you spend significant time in the vicinity of somebody who has COVID-19, both of you wearing masks will not protect you. Maybe if somebody sneezes on your mask and you immediately replace it after washing your face with soap and water, a mask will prevent an infection, but how many times does somebody sneeze directly into your face?

Anybody who believes that masks will protect them from the virus should watch how easily smoke flows through or around them. Viruses are extremely small particles and only the best masks properly worn and maintained afford any appreciable protection.