Face masks are considered by many a useful way to stop the contraction and spread of the new coronavirus. The tiny surgical aids are less common in Western countries despite growing outbreaks in Europe and the United States. But its use has exploded in Asia. That’s because Asians, especially in Japan, China and Taiwan, have worn masks for a host of cultural and environmental reasons, including non-medical ones, since at least the 1950s. Japanese wear masks when feeling sick as a courtesy to stop any sneezes from landing on other people.
Source: Not Just Coronavirus: Asians Have Worn Face Masks for Decades
