Great article by @zeynep and @jeremyphoward. To answer the question they get asked what and "where to buy proper masks," below is a thread. I have no financial interest in these recommendations. My family uses this near N95 solution that costs 17-60 cents/day.

I'll tell you what to do and then I'll explain why and provide the evidence.

You need a good quality surgical mask plus a mask fitter like the one made by @FixTheMask.

A disposable face mask made out of meltblown polypropylene layer that passes the candle test is likely good.

Those candle grade ones appear to cost 17 cents each on Amazon. Personally I prefer to buy ASTM Level 2 or 3 certified masks. Those run 40 to 60 cents. I prefer the Ambrust, which @FixTheMask found in their testing to offer the best filtration

decent breathability. My essential worker son wears this combo every day, all day. Testing of some masks

Now on the mask brace or mask fitter (same thing). IMHO, the @FixTheMask one is a no-brainer to buy. It's the best one and right now there are only two you can buy. Here's a 3-minute video of why you should do this and why it