The question is not how far, it is how many. If you are coughing on
the apples or the counter top, you have spread the infection. It is
really the very tiny ones that can hang in the air and I doubt your
bandanna is stopping many of them.
You probably know more about aerosols than I do. How big is a droplet
that can ride on air? (I suppose I could google it). My guess is we
are talking about microns tho.
Some are lighter than air and can rise which further complicates the
spread.
I guess we have kicked the crap out of this horse. You think a mask is
worthless. Most of the rest of the world including docs and infectious
disease experts think otherwise.
So, don't wear a mask. Don't complain about your $300 fine though
if caught in MA not wearing one in close proximity to other people.
I don't plan on being in Massachusetts but I still think the charge
would be tossed if I got a lawyer.