Mandatory masks is essential to "flatten the curve" Read compelling story of Czech Republic former first lady who used theater and her own villa's drapes and even enlisted the Boy Scouts to make Masks.  Czech republic beat the odds.

The order to wear masks in public came with the nation of 10.7 million facing a shortage of protective supplies, forcing many Czechs to produce their own following anger that front-line healthcare workers often lacked protective gear.

Of course, Hong Kong residents where there is a shared experience with previous epedemics and public shaming of anyone not complying with public health Measures such as wearing masks in public places has fared much better in spite of mass protest and an open border with mainland China.

PWC doesn't have the luxury of time for populace to adopt effective public health practices.