Ask Marilyn

We repeatedly hear how masks prevent the wearer from transmitting COVID-19 to others but do not protect the wearer. Can you explain?

—John Smith, Lake Wales, Fla.

This is a rampant misunderstanding. Masks (except those with exhalation valves) do work both ways. Yet masks worn by sick people are far more effective at preventing the spread of disease. Why? Say we have 100 people, one of whom is sick, and one mask is available. Who should wear the mask? Obviously, the sick person. In short, a mask worn by

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a mask worn by a healthy person

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that the more people wear masks, the better for all. Again, why? We don’t know who may be sick.