This information (about masks) was all known prior to 2020. The spread mechanism was known early in our reaction. My employer is still on board with the science (TM). I mentioned in another thread that because certain counties in SE Michigan have exceed the BS CDC guidance, they re-imposing their mask protocols in those counties. Too bad Trump didn't fire Fauci and Birx when he had the chance.When we were told that covid was primarily spread by droplets, and not through the air, the rationale behind even the cloth masks seemed plausible. But as soon as it was evident that the spread is primarily aerosolized, well that ended any plausible claim that cloth masks could be of any use.
Even N95 masks weren't ever going to stop covid. I think one study of both cloth and N95 masks said cloth effectiveness was negligible while N95's were somewhat effective if worn properly. But "properly" means correctly fitted, no facial hair, a time limit for wearing must be observed, throw away when that time period is used, and no reuse. Which essentially means N95 makes are not practical for the masses. Impossible for children. So I think health care workers could benefit from that. They work in an environment where it's more practical to wear them "properly". But c'mon. Making your kids wear N95's is gonna save the world from covid? That's delusional.