Coronavirus spreads. But don't panic! (topical thread)

[brewerb]

The official Australian Government advice remains that you only need to wear a mask if you are sick with COVID-19
symptoms, or if you are looking after someone who may have COVID-19.  If you are well, according to the Department
of Health, you do not need to wear a face mask.  Face masks are used primarily by people in the community to prevent
sick people from spreading infection.

The proof of this?

Cases of infection in the US = 4,914 per million population—masks worn.
Deaths in US = 248 per million.

Cases of infection in Australia = 273 per million population—masks not worn.
Deaths in Australia = 4 per million.

That fails to address the percent of asymptomatic yet infection transmissible, some estimates as high as 25%.

The US/Australia comparison is ignorant.

Without being tested how do you, (yes you) know that you are well?

No, the US/Australian comparison is valid, as per that statistics I cited.  
You need to tell me in more specific terms why you claim it's ignorant.
And, BTW, it's asinine to deliberately cough loudly around any/all other
people in order to cause unnecessary concern in a public place, particularly
to the frail elderly who're vulnerable, and don't realise you're joking.

Ignorant because is does not take into account the differences in the countries (see mordant's post) like international travel, population density, difference in stay at home or social distancing regulations, rate of compliance .............

What is asinine is individuals not using the recommended precautions (masks are recommended here) to protect others in the community, whether you're sick, not sick, or don't know (asymptomatic). Not complying is asinine entitlement.

And I'll fuck with the people that need to be fucked with, for their own good.