Face masks were to protect others from droplet transmission (for a disease subsequently determined to spread primarily by aerosols and not large droplets).
On social media, there are numerous posts from “experts” similar to the above. A major newspaper in my state ran a column by a local doctor advocating the use of face masks to treat anxiety (in so many words).
Face masks are a non-pharmaceutical intervention to treat anxiety (even if they do not work). Face masks are the adult equivalent of a blankie or stuffed animal.
