How to Protect Oneself From Covid-19

Both of them have shown some utility in slowing the spread of the disease by infected individuals by preventing airborne transmission of germs from coughing and sneezing. But the number of well-protected health professionals who contract the disease shows that personal protective equipment, even if used correctly, is not 100% effective against transmission. Blocking the disease isn't as effective as staying away from infected people entirely.

1) There is no conclusive science that cloth masks have a significant impact on reducing your chances of catching the disease.

2) It is still not clear that having the public wear masks has a significant impact lowering the rate of transmission.

3) There is science that PPEs (masks, gowns, gloves, sheild) are an important way to lower the risk to health care workers working with patients.

That being said, none of this hurts. If it makes you feel better, then do it. Do not take N95 or surgical masks that could be used by health care workers who need them far more than you do.

My understanding is that masks are more useful in preventing spread of the virus when worn by someone who is already infected. They are better at preventing you from spreading the disease than they are at preventing you from catching the virus.