Cain's death wasn't due to not wearing a mask, it was due to proximity to others not wearing masks.

[Towlie]

It's important for people to understand that distinction but many don't, including journalists currently reporting the death of Herman Cain. That's why we see so many people, including the attendees at John Lewis' funeral, wearing masks with exhaust valves. Those masks are meant to filter inhaled air but let exhaled air escape with minimal resistance, making them appropriate for dusty environments or spray painting, but virtually useless in combating COVID-19.

[spinbaby]

1. What? He died?

Geez, turn my back on the news for one morning.

[djtexas]

2. Cain Death

He died because he had severe underlying health issues. He willfully chose to ignore science and common sense. He purposely associated with idiots who choose not to wear masks in the worst possible environments for the worst possible reasons.

The mask purpose is intended to trap larger, wet particulates which contain viruses in your breathing and protect others. The simple face masks work quite well if everyone wears them. Just look at places like Korea and Taiwan. They did not really ever shutdown and yet have a miniscule death count compared to ours. Of course, they have societal discipline and common sense based on previous experience with SARS and MERS.

Personally, i believe that if masks with exhaust valves had any significant benefits, medical professionals would be wearing them.