Hypothesis: Wearing a mask is a physical reminder that we're in a pandemic, which helps folks remember to do other things which reduce their risk (avoid touching things unnecessarily, wash hands more often, staying at home unless necessary, etc)
This post links to an article showing masks don't work (N95 masks that are worn properly do work, though).
"The Most Masked European Countries Have the Biggest Coronavirus Surges"
https://www.frontpagemag.com/fpm/2020/11/most-masked-europea...
the last paragraph clearly states:
> To do so, each of us needs to follow these three W’s: Wear a mask. Watch your distance (stay 6 feet apart). Wash your hands often.
Since the number of infected people have increased, the rate of infection should also increase. If it remains same, then there is an actual reduction