Masks really work to dramatically reduce the spread of Covid-19

Article note: This has been an interesting double-bind. Clearly, places with ubiquitous mask wearing (not fancy ones either, just surgical masks to prevent spreading infection from projected particles) are doing _dramatically_ better at containing COVID-19 (and also have huge confounding factors). Less-clearly but very likely, the messaging in countries _not_ accustomed to or equipped for ubiquitous mask use is "masks are ineffective" in the face of statistical evidence because they want to conserve their limited supply of masks for high-risk users and prevent runs. And now there's the Czechs, who are attempting a mass DIY mask experiment, which may be the tie-breaker for "right thing to do."