I just read your last paragraph and the recent comment and I agree there’s room for discussion in a lot of areas but people retreat to their tried and true positions because it’s comfortable and safe to think like everyone else around them. I wish you luck on your journey, self reflection and growth from a strong religious upbringing/society isn’t easy. I was raised Catholic but thankfully my parents and Catholic School weren’t the hardcore evangelical types so I was able to make my own mental/religious path pretty early in life.
I think a mask is your best option. If you’re trying to prevent against other people’s illness, you probably need an N95 mask, something that seals around your mouth and nose. A surgical type mask is more to control the droplets and spread of illness coming from you.