Should masks be worn by the public to stop the coronavirus?

Encyclopedia of Opinion

Question: Should masks be worn by the public to stop the coronavirus?
Position‹2 of 2: No, facemasks do not need to be worn by the public

This position holds that the public need not wear facemasks against coronavirus. It argues that masks are a poor response — citing a study of the 1918 influenza that found them ineffective, doubts they stop the public spreading the virus, and the risk of a false sense of security.

Supporting arguments · 3

The conclusive study of the 1918 Influenza found masks didn't work
We've seen in previous pandemics they don't work. Nothing has changed.
Facemasks lead to a false sense of security
Facemasks make people feel protected meaning they are less likely to maintain social distancing
Masks do not protect the general public from spreading the virus
In a clinical setting medical grade masks can work, but in practice cloth masks do not work when worn everywhere, all the time by the general public. This is why the CDC, WHO and others for decades have never recommended them at large.