In the U.S. New York City is certainly where you'd expect the condition to be the worse, but in other places in the world, like Tokyo, similar conditions exist, but I don't believe the infection was nearly as severe. It's been about 40 years since the last time I was there, but even back then people wearing masks was common. As I remember it, their rail system didn't operate after a certain hour of the evening, and I suspect they cleaned and perhaps sanitize the system overnight. My point is, they were better prepared because they've been doing these things for years, while people here still fight putting on a mask.
I don't want to wear a mask for the rest of my life, but after stem cells I wore one whenever I was in places where many people could be found, if the mask was disposable, I found I could poke a straw thru it to drink without removing it. It may be a nuisance, but it should be one that we can live with for awhile in order for more people to live. I would hope that we as a country learn to approach masks at least the way the Japanese did years ago, if they thought they might be infectious, they wore a mask. It may not stop all disease spread, but it greatly reduces it. Certainly, if you're by yourself, it's unnecessary, but in close proximity to others we really need to get used to wearing them. Sadly in the case of covid-19, you can feel fine and still have it, and can be spreading it, so all should wear masks anytime you're not alone or with those who you share your living space.
I suspect that if back in February we'd have adopted wearing masks, perhaps half of those who've passed on would never have been infected. I look forward to when we have a vaccine, and can lessen the use of the mask, but we still should use it when we're the one who don't feel well if we're going out in that condition.
Gary
