Whether the masks are effective or not (I contend, not) doesn't matter. An upper respiratory virus cannot be stopped -- it will work it's way through the population until there is no one left to infect (herd immunity) -- it can only be slowed, which is the cover under which these draconian measures were put in place. Well, we slowed it, and "flattened the curve" without the masks. Masks started becoming mandatory months after the peak, but conveniently, just as the fear started to wan. All the mask orders are a form of moving the goalposts. To reach herd immunity, people need to get infected (unless you think waiting for the global vaccine is a better idea), and the best time to get infected is now. It's hot, the virus is weak, people have shaken off their winter apathy. They are active, out in the sun, breathing fresh air, and their immune systems are running at top performance.