WE CANNOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF
Pearl Harbor, 9/11, the COVIR-19 Pandemic - nations invariably prepare to fight "the last war," but time and again they are caught totally unprepared to confront new threats because of leadership incapable of thinking outside the box!
Given America's general lack of preparedness to address this pandemic, the authorities are in no position to encourage the general public to wear masks, irrespective of the merits, because there still aren't enough for those healthcare workers on the front line, especially if they are facing the projected surge in patients later in the month!
The US has spent $ trillions to equip the finest military in the world which is now largely standing by helpless as 1000's of Americans are expected to die from a its limited medical infrastructure combined with the unavailability of such basics as masks, gowns and ventilators - all low tech items that could have been stockpiled, in much larger quantities, for a nominal cost!