Can wearing a face mask protect you from the new coronavirus?

[HighEstate]

Even if they do because of the shortage, I would rather see them go to medical workers and others who are at higher risk than myself.

Of course - that's your prerogative; that doesn't change the patently-obvious fact that any facial covering will be better than none (and non-N95 masks will reduce, if not eliminate, chances of infection).

 

[LCarlson]

Our knowledge of the Covid-19 virus and epidemic continue to evolve. While the N95 is still the only one that will prevent the virus from getting in, the medical and scientific community now recommend masks in general be used to help prevent spread of the virus, particularly in cases where asymptomatic people are in public.
I am therefore closing this thread, as the point made by the article is now moot.
~LC