There are indications from some jurisdictions that the mask mandates may be coming back, if the new Omicron Covid variants get more widespread, New Zealand being one example, as was covered at the blog previously. But, there have been numerous studies questioning the effectiveness of masks, and where in fact, masks may act to concentrate the virus, and lead to more infection, since most people do not change those blue surgical masks frequently, and often touch and contaminate them. But, beyond that, we already have a fine air filtration system, which fits into the innate immune system. As stated below, we have already, “nostrils, nasal hair, a vortex-creating topography, tonsils and a mucus to trap and to process most of the infectious material thrown at it.” This alone, while not 100 percent perfect, combined with common sense can minimise the risks of respiratory viral infection. Masks need to be kept for the theatre. As was said in the Two Towers film of The Lord of the Rings, we need, like King Theoden, freed by Gandalf, to “breathe the free air.”