[autokad]

the point was not to get into a mask debate but "In other countries it's conventional to wear a mask any time you're remotely sick" should ring as BS to you, because those countries have flu and cold just like any other country.

AND if you ask them, they don't do it to prevent others from getting sick (not that that works unless you are gasping air through an n95), but they do it to protect themselves. This is especially true in China where there is also air pollution to consider.