So based on your first paragraph, why don’t you wear a mask?
I don't think they can hurt, but their effectiveness has been way overblown. It's essentially the last thing we haven't tried on widespread scale so everyone is all-in on them with this latest spike. Absolutely nobody was demanding masks be worn at the initial height of this virus in the spring.
I take the virus very seriously. My family and I adhere to the guidelines. I social distance wherever I go in public, which I believe is the greatest factor. I'm a germophobe who has always washed my hands in OCD fashion throughout the day. This latest spike is being caused by younger people packing into dense social gatherings - I'm not in any of those environments. I honestly don't believe a mask is needed at Publix or Home Depot walking around by myself.
I also have asthma and any face covering can actually induce coughing for me. Cough in a public place these days and some nut freaks out. I'd rather get nasty looks for no mask than cough.