Is this a lie, yes or no?
"The typical mask you buy in the drug store is not really effective in keeping out virus, which is small enough to pass through material. It might, however, provide some slight benefit in keep out gross droplets if someone coughs or sneezes on you."
If it is a lie, what exactly is the lie? Remember: it is not a lie to say something that later turns out to be true, but that you honestly believed was true when you said it.
How is this remotely a lie?
"I do not recommend that you wear a mask, particularly since you are going to a very low risk location."