Name:   MartiniMan - Subject:   Glad to help here with a little science lesson Date:   7/31/2020 9:05:09 AM

The answer is that it depends.  If the infected one is sneezing or coughing and standing right next me for an extended period of time then the mask will reduce droplets.  But so would covering their mouth when they sneeze or cough.  If I am standing next to them and they are just breathing normally then the only issue is with aerosols which the mask is not effective in reducing either going out or breathing in.

If I am maintaining social distancing, washing my hands frequently, avoiding touching my face unless I have washed my hands or used sanitizer then all will be well.  As for why I wear a mask, I only do so when there is a place I want to go and they require it.  Otherwise I never wear one because I know they do not work and they give people a false sense of security and they don't social distance.  I see it all the time.  They have been fooled and that is why mask usage is higher than ever and yet the virus continues to spread.