This interview of @zeynep by @benthompson newsletter ($) has some great bits. I will share a few. Interview here
https://stratechery.com/2020/an-interview-with-zeynep-tufekci-about-masks-media-and-information-ecology/ …
As context, Zeynep wrote "Why Telling People They Don’t Need Masks Backfired" in NY Times on March 17. here
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/opinion/coronavirus-face-masks.html …
The piece explains the asymptomatic spread, but you aren't even right about surgical masks not being effective. They are fairly good at preventing infection except aerosol-generating procedures like intubation. https://www.cebm.net/covid-19/what-is-the-efficacy-of-standard-face-masks-compared-to-respirator-masks-in-preventing-covid-type-respiratory-illnesses-in-primary-care-staff/ …