zlacker

N95 masks need to go to hospitals first. They don't really make sense for the general public to be wearing. They are difficult to fit properly, and not comfortable for continuous wear. They are believed to be primarily needed when dealing with patients on oxygen / ventilators / etc.

Surgical masks do make sense for the general public. They are much easier to wear, and they still offer a good amount of filtration for the wearer. Plus they have the benefit you mentioned of preventing the wearer from infecting others.

Where surgical masks aren't available, cloth masks still appear to offer some benefit. And there are designs that include a pocket for paper filters.