Researchers in the journal Physics of Fluids just published a visualization of the dispersion of droplets from simulated coughing. It's worth a look.
Without a mask, droplets can travel up to 8 feet. Here are the visualizations for three off-the-shelf alternatives, a surgical type mask available at pharmacies, a folded hankerchief, and a two layer home-made cotton mask.
It is not about individual rights, it is about supporting your community. It is not a political statement, it is science.
From Visualizing the effectiveness of face masks in obstructing respiratory jets Physics of Fluids DOI:10.10.63/5.0016018
