I only want to query your last statement: "until we can slow masks work.. I find it reasonable that no mandate should exist at all"

I find myself thinking the reverse to be honest. this infection has caused the largest worldwide distribution event in recent history, (possibly ever). the longer it persists, the greater the cost (economically and socially). As such I'm happy to try all kinds of things if they have a reasonable basis to help with the problem and the cost is reasonable

Granted the definition of "cost" is personal, but equally I'm genuinely surprised by the number of people who feel that mask wearing has a high perceived cost! It really feels like a small inconvenience to me.

If someone popularised the idea that the virus will go away if we only all wear pink trousers for a week. I'm sceptical of the science, but you know what, the personal cost is low. I'll "cooperate" just to ensure we have it a fair try.

masks at least have a very strong theoretical reason to be effective. I'm not really sure I understand the relatively heavy opposition? keen to hear from those who disagree?