Originally Posted by adrianlondon

You have to breathe harder with a mask on, which helps to ensure sure the virus really gets into your lungs

Just read that one should wear a surgical mask rather than a N95 mask, as the latter are hard to breathe through.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapo...n-virus-spread

The masks are meant for people who are ill, so that if/when they sneeze or cough it contains the droplets. As no-one yet seems to know whether this virus spreads before symptoms show or not, I think the reason people want everyone to wear masks is so that you don't panic that the person you're close to is ill and about to sneeze. I guess it can also help if you're wearing a mask and someone sneezes on you.