Shortages of surgical face masks are a visible sign that the novel coronavirus from China has reached the United States. If the coronavirus outbreak should cause a run on anything, they say, it should be soap and water instead. “A mask makes you feel better, but you’re missing the more important protective measures.”Hong Kong subway passengers wear surgical masks during the coronavirus outbreak. (Associated Press)AdvertisementThere are good reasons to wear masks — namely, to protect others. Indeed, for nearly all Americans, the flu presents a far greater health risk than the new coronavirus.

Source: Los Angeles Times February 05, 2020 18:33 UTC