Exactly, this is a great example of a failed policy.
Lets apply the simple rule: the less moving pieces a system has, the less it's likely to fail.
So, instead of getting 100 people to wear a mask in one business, get 1 business to increase the airflow in the business by 10x. Much simpler solution and something that can be directly measured. And really, they're non-competing; we can do both. Furthermore it eliminates the perceived need for draconian measure that are fueling other social problems.
I'm sorry, you think that increasing airflow by 10x in businesses in many various buildings and conditions is a simpler matter than people putting a piece of cloth over their face? xD
The key government failure in the US, at least since a total failure by the white house to seize the moment early on, is republicans seizing mask-wearing as a wedge issue. Following the most simple measures such as masks would effectively solve the issue enough for vaccines to catch up. Cynical exploitation of ignorance in the people by republicans has been the true societal failure in this pandemic.
By your argument, doesn't that mean that states/cities with completely blue government would have the lowest numbers? Or are those pesky Republicans all over california interfering with that?
Lets apply the simple rule: the less moving pieces a system has, the less it's likely to fail.
So, instead of getting 100 people to wear a mask in one business, get 1 business to increase the airflow in the business by 10x. Much simpler solution and something that can be directly measured. And really, they're non-competing; we can do both. Furthermore it eliminates the perceived need for draconian measure that are fueling other social problems.