Why are some people still wearing a facemask in 2023 ?

I think that people have become hyperaware that viruses could possibly be spread by coughs and sneezes. It has been that way in Japan during colds and flu season for a couple of decades, because they are pretty crowded over there. Out come the masks when the viruses are going around.

I wear a mask at times when I go to my doctors office, because I have asthma, and the least little breeze blowing dust at me will trigger coughing. And you should SEE the looks you get, even masked, if you start coughing.