Part of the problem is the one-size-fits-all paradigm.  We live in one of the most lib-dominated states and our governor has killed thousands in the nursing homes, but there are areas in the state with very low COVID stats.  Not surprisingly, these correspond to counties that are islands of red in a sea of blue.  Our county has been relatively untouched.  Even so, the use of masks is nearly 100% in public spaces.  The governor has now mandated wearing of masks outdoors.    I have never worn one, and while I'm usually the only non-masked person in a store, I'm rarely confronted about it.  "Do you have a mask, sir?" is the typical comment by masked employees and they're generally satisfied with "Sorry, wearing a mask endangers my health." In our neighborhood, with the exception of one couple who wear masks in their own home, nobody wears masks or practices social distancing inside or outside.  There are no Democrats here.  But almost all of these good folks mask up when they go shopping.