Are you sure that masks don't protect you? You've made that statement three times in four sentences.

It's false that the guidance was clear the reason for recommending people not wear masks was because of a shortage. US health officials stated that masks were ineffective and may increase the likelihood of infection because of touching your face while wearing a mask.

As someone pointed out Sweden to this day has this to say about mask usage:

"The scientific evidence around the effectiveness of face masks in combatting the spread of infection is weak, which is why different countries have arrived at different recommendations."

https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/the-public-health-agency...