like I said, doctors offices and hospitals have been saying to wear a mask if you have cough/sneezing/cold or flu for at least 10 years now, so they were fully aware that covering mouth and nose prevents spread of disease.from the reports and statements I saw there seemed to be some confusion early on as to whether masks did or didn’t make a difference with corona. Certainly the UK Gov came out saying there didn’t make a difference early but have now changed their tune and will make people wear them.
I think a lot of the reasoning was that it’s absorbed through the eyes as well as mouth and nose so a mask doesn’t stop you catching it. It does appear it stops you spreading it,
honestly it seems foolish not to suggest everyone cover up their nose and mouth from the off. I get the argument about lack of ppe but whether it’s effective or not using a scarf or similar has no downside and a possible upside......
the was no legitimate reason not to recommend wearing face covering from the jump, imo.