Thread by @eagleowl123

@andwarn @KarenOMahony5 Having done a lot of reading of sensible articles, the answer seems to be:
1. They will offer a certain level of protection from certain aspects (eg maybe from bigger droplets but not necessarily from the finest "aerosol" transmission which is thought to be happening.

@andwarn @KarenOMahony5 2. They may be as effective at changing behaviour eg encouraging social distancing, signalling that this is to be taken seriiously.
3. They have to be worn "intelligently" ie don't fiddle with them, don't touch the outsides afterwards, don't assume they give you magic immunity.

@andwarn @KarenOMahony5 4. Some fabrics are better than others - closely woven cotton I think is best.
5. There seems to be an overall benefit, eg a level of protection in higher-risk areas eg shops, places with no ventilation, but are not an alternative to everything else eg handwashing, distancing etc

@andwarn @KarenOMahony5 6. Some scientists are now doing it so that's good enough for me!

But please do your own research on sensible websites, and I'm hoping any passing virologists will correct any of the above if it's a load of old nonsense!