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On the other hand we have the Surgeon General pleading with us to stop buying masks because they have no benefit. I’m really tired of people in positions of power giving contradictory advice. If masks have no benefit, then why do medical professionals wear them?

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Because they don't want to infect others. In normal practice masks are worn when sterile or high risk surfaces are exposed and no risk can/needs to be taken. Which is about all medical professionals use masks for. If they know somebody is infected they use physical shields, because that is the only thing that will prevent exposure. A mask used as a shield isn't used in a professional setting because what it is is guessing. It can't hurt so sure wear it if it makes you feel better, but all you are doing is guessing, not preventing.And if you want to tell others they must wear them you are saying they have a high probability of being infected. Which you don't know, just are afraid of. Don't tell people what to do based on your fear, that rarely goes well.

The Surgeon General has reversed himself, and even made a video showing how to make a homemade face covering: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPx1yqvJgf4

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