I can provide some speculative reasons why fewer people might be wearing face masks today compared to two years ago:
Vaccine availability and distribution: Over the past two years, COVID-19 vaccines have been developed, approved, and distributed to various parts of the world. As more people get vaccinated, the perception of risk decreases, leading some individuals to feel safer and less inclined to wear masks.
Changing guidelines and regulations: Government health authorities and experts have adjusted their guidelines and regulations based on evolving scientific evidence and the changing pandemic situation. As a result, there might be varying recommendations regarding mask-wearing, leading to confusion or differing practices among the public.
Pandemic fatigue: The COVID-19 pandemic has been ongoing for an extended period, leading to pandemic fatigue in many individuals. People may become tired of the restrictions and precautions, including wearing masks, and may start to relax their behavior as they yearn for a return to normalcy.
Mixed messaging: In some regions, conflicting messages from different sources about the importance of masks or the efficacy of mask-wearing might contribute to decreased compliance.
Lower infection rates: In certain areas, declining infection rates and the perception that the worst of the pandemic is over might lead some individuals to believe that masks are no longer necessary.
Social and cultural factors: In some societies, mask-wearing might be less culturally accepted or normalized, leading to lower adherence even during the peak of the pandemic.
It's essential to note that the reasons for the decline in mask-wearing may vary significantly depending on the location, prevailing public health measures, vaccination rates, and other factors. The situation could have changed significantly , so it's always best to refer to the latest information from reliable health authorities for the most up-to-date guidance.