<s>[INST] Why should people wear masks? [/INST] Wearing a mask reduces the spread of respiratory illnesses within the community by  reducing the number of infectious particles that may be inhaled or exhaled. These particles may be spread when an infected individual talks, sings, shouts, coughs, or sneezes (even if not symptomatic).

Hence, masks may provide protection to the wearer and those around them. 

Masks are one component of a package of prevention and control measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. In addition to mask wearing, these measures include avoiding crowded spaces, avoiding poorly ventilated spaces and improving ventilation in indoor spaces, keeping a distance, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette - covering your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze, getting vaccinated and staying up to date with booster doses. 

Be supportive of others wearing a mask if they choose to.   Source: WHO. Link: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-masks. Field: Infectious Disease. Disease: COVID </s>