[bumpygreens]

Have you passed a person with your mask on, and noticed the scent of that person's perfume or after shave? The particles that enter your nose which allow you to detect the scent are approximately 1 micron in size. A micron is 1,000 nanometers. The Covid virus is between 60 to 140 nanometers in diameter. A virus, however, doesn't just float around on its own. It's attached to a larger particle.

A properly fit N95 filter is effective at removing particles down to 300 nanometers (0.3 microns). In fact, the smaller the particle the more effective the N95 is at removing it.

Surgical masks, depending on the manufacturer and materials of which they are made, are highly variable in their efficiency...anywhere from 10 to 90%. They are better suited for filtering particles emitted from the wearer (in other words, they protect others from you).

Plastic face shields protect the wearer from splatter into their eyes, nose or mouth. They don't filter the air you inhale, nor do they filter the air you exhale.

Large, well ventilated spaces are pretty safe. Masks offer some protection when you can't always maintain social distance. Have fun at the squares - just don't kiss your bartender, and you will probably be okay.