I was in Flatbush this past Shabbos, and out of deference to rules kept by the community (at large, not necessarily of the specific shul where I davened) wore a mask for most of davening (though it should be noted that these masks were provided through councilman Deutsch, were NOT made in China and didn't pull and hurt ears like most masks sold).
The last time I wore a mask for so long was when Hatzala took me to the ER after having a near syncope (most likely due to loss of appetite which resulted in almost fasting for 2 days). Back then I felt that the mask was the only thing causing difficulty breathing.
While wearing the mask, and keeping in mind
this article (lots of interesting and free articles on marckmanuals.com) and many other comments that see to indicate that the masks are more as protection from
spreading, rather than
contracting COVID-19, and trying to feel unrestricted breathing and not fogging up my glasses, I experimented with various mask wearing methods (only mouth) only nose, pulling the bottom out to allow air, etc.
The article from John Mauldin and Dr. Mike Roizen that I posted elsewhere on DDF today points to unexplained regional differences of COVID-19 infections, and tries to "rule out" population density by citing HK as a highly desne area with low infection rates. To me that ignores the cultural difference of face masks being much more common and prevalant in Asia.
As the weather gets more hot and humid, and as the majority of surgical masks available for purchase are uncomfortable Chinese made mask, it is inevitable that compliance will go down. IIRC I posted somewhere that in Singapore the government is dispensing 2 masks per week for every person. I heard that Dr. Roberts in his video was proposing draconian fines.
How about just coming up with some common sense masks. If it's all about preventing aerosoles from being greatly disperesed, then it's definitely the mouth that needs covering, not so much the nose. Any major dispersing of aerosoles will come from exhaling, coughing, sneezing, shouting and singing - all mostly through the mouth.
I feel that a standard of MOUTH COVERINGS rather than face coverings should be encouraged, by providing adequate COMFORTABLE TO WEAR such coverings, coupled with enforcement, rather than the uncomfortable and unenforced options that exist now.
