You know, the masks need to be reserved for healthcare professionals, first responders, people who have COVID-19 symptoms when they go in for a medical evaluation and testing, and people who are extremely vulnerable due to chronic health conditions.
Mask use for people who are not ill, who just need to pick up some groceries for example, may provide a sense of protection, but will the mask protect you?
The masks most people are buying and using do not seal so mouth and nose are not protected. And the masks don't protect the eyes.
The masks that do seal properly are only good for 4 hours, and have to be worn correctly, removed correctly, and disposed of correctly.
Our best strategies are washing hands often, cleaning/avoiding touching surfaces that other people are touching, maintaining distance from other people, etc...
Call me crazy, but the only thing I've bought in preparation for the coronavirus spread, is food, medication I need if I become ill, vitamin C and NAC. And if I can find some, more liquid dish washing detergent. That's it.
I'm investing my time and energy online here and elsewhere to stay up to date and to learn everything I can to protect myself, my family, my friends.
This virus is scary. And I'm not completely confident in the testing process in the US at the moment, but I know that process will be improved on an ongoing basis and we'll get there eventually. What helps me sleep at night is knowing there are a lot of very smart, determined people throughout the world doing everything they can to get us through this... I don't normally pray, but I'm praying for them.