Not sure I understand why it's such an issue. We aren't talking about high tech masks filtering out nanometer-sized particles. The masks don't have to be sterile either.

You can probably make a dozen of suitable masks from a t-shirt, all you need is some suitable fabric and straps. Or just place a scarf over your mouth and nose. Even if it doesn't filter out 100% of droplets you emit, it would filter out maybe 90% and thus cut new infection rates by a factor of 10.

Of course with the government here [edited by mod] sending information about masks supposedly not bringing any advantages (probably to prevent panic buying), there is no pressure to supply people with masks and thus we are heading full speed into an otherwise avoidable huge epidemic with thousands if not millions of deaths