This is one of the reasons it makes sense for public health authorities to encourage the use of masks, and it’s also why people can find mask-wearing beneficial: it gives them something concrete to do in the face of the threat, regardless of the exact benefits of masks (which are considerable). This helps restore their sense of control. Another example is the act of collective public cheering for health-care workers, seen in New York City and London, which also gives people a sense of control and social solidarity.20 This psychological benefit is important in itself, and such acts may in turn
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