The way forward is sturdier masks that last "forever", with removable filters that can be sterilized in boiling water, exposure to the UVC in sunlight, drenching in household bleach or thorough washing with water and detergent.

This is exactly the way the Czech Republic is going, with several companies now churning out such masks and the government being the bigger buyer. Stockpiling billions of expiration-sensitive disposable masks is more expensive, compared to pre-distributing one reusable mask to every citizen.