Masks are worthwhileYes, definitely wear the masks when you are among the herd (other people) ["Mask up, dammit," Editorial, July 9].
We know that during the 1918 flu pandemic, when masks became strongly encouraged and enforced, that flu rates were reduced in half.
Although not a perfect preventative measure they are definitely worthwhile.However, we also know that outdoor transmission is relatively rare, with or without masks.
In Wuhan and China in general, only one COVID-19 case was attributed to outdoor transmission, according to reports. With the recent Black Lives Matter outdoor protests and demonstrations, there has been no reported surge of related pandemic cases.