Can someone explain why wearing a mask won't help a

[Ms. Toad]

19. No, becasuse it will.

It was initially discouraged because of the fear that masks would not be available for medical personnel.

It is a no brainer that any barrier (properly handled so you don't contaminate yourself when you remove it) provides more protection than nothing. They have always said it helpd a sick person limit the spread of their infection - but they didn't take into account that many of us are contagious before we are symptomatic.

So now we are having to overcome the early messaging that was incorrect.