Before I go on, let me be clear. Testing is very important!
There are various tests out there with various degrees of sensitivity and specificity. Although testing is very important, a negative test is not a PASS to do what you want.
The bottom line is that this virus replicates so quickly that within only 12 hours, someone can go from having a negative test to having a positive test, all without having any symptoms at all. It’s not that the first or second tests were wrong, it’s just that the volume of virus was too low to detect initially and 12 hours later, enough virus has replicated that now you can detect it.
Keep in mind that even with the negative test, you are STILL infectious and are spreading the virus to those around you, unless you are doing what is necessary to protect them.
There are many, many studies, both home made and scientifically done, showing the efficacy of mask wearing. They limit how much virus is spread out as well as how much is breathed in. In addition, studies show that even if you do inhale some virus with a mask, the severity of infection can be much less.
MASK UP. The thicker the better. I had poo pooed synthetic gators before. Although they are nowhere nearly as good as cloth layers or medical grade masks, and they can make things worse, because of how synthetic materials can aerosolize particles, overall, they do provide something. If nothing else, those around you see you wearing the gator and stay away from you!
Stay safe and be well.
AC