Actually a lot of that was debunked as 'data suggests no' by the relevant health professionals when tracking how far back it went and where. As always things like this start as rumor along the lines of 'some people say' with no sources and then propagate... if you will pardon... like a virus on the internet. Seen it many times before and we will see it again. There is always a segment of the population, especially now, that actively look for conspiracies and such that tell them that this was all hidden from them by nefarious powers for whatever reason. And of course people look for scapegoats. "They KNEW and did nothing!". And yes, being locked up for so long... with only social media as your friend... spreads it all even more.
As for masks, especially the non-medical ones around, they do nothing unless YOU are the one that is sick. Good for things like smoke and dust but nowhere close to being good enough to filter something as small as a virus. And they arent form fitting enough to keep you from breathing in shit from the sides. But it does help deal with those that are unknowingly sick in places with co-workers working close together for extended periods etc. And there are always those that feel 'off' but dont care. Also helps mitigate fear and that is also important. However its like 'duck and cover' in the old days as though that would keep you from getting fried by a nuke.
Maintain social distancing.. a silly phrase but these are trying times... always wash your hands and dont touch your face. That is what will protect you the most. Also cover your mouth with your arm or shoulder if you are going to cough or sneeze. Disposable gloves do help, but you still have to use bare hands to take them off. And it also does no help if you touch your face (or your mouth like that the idiot in that picture) while wearing them. The job wants me to wear one at all times, so I do.
Oh and yea one guy at work does have a skull mouth+neck cover and its pretty cool. A little bit of dark humor I guess, thank you for shopping at the death counter.