Masks might not stop Viruses, but they do stop larger particles such as road dust, snot when people sneeze, and saliva from people who stand too close and speak forcefully.

They were locked down in the Philippines around March 17th, for a long time Seniors and Children weren't allowed out of the house. Seniors had passes for going to buy food and pay utilities, rent, etc 2 days a week for a few hours in the morning(Everything there was paid in person) You had to sign in at the stores and they used a temperature gun. There's a lot more details, but... So most people bought shitty cloth masks that were easier to breathe through, and washable. We wouldn't cover our noses or sometimes mouths.

When I returned to the USA in the Fall of 2020, then went to work in the Fall of 2021 I had to wear a mask to ride the bus. I no longer drive and my wife and I had to work. Same thing in regards to not covering the nose.

In 2022 I had an accident while walking my dog, broke a couple of my fingers, and skinned my face up. I didn't miss any work, but had to wear a mask for the bus otherwise they wouldn't let me ride. They would not let people ride the bus with uncovered wounds long before the pandemic. Sometimes you gotta make your own way around rules, and sometimes the rules make sense. I'd not want to sit next to someone all bloodied up and not covered.