We were told by the scientists/experts/media/government for months that masks were pointless. That handwashing was key. What changed the 'science' on that.
We were not told they were pointless but that outside of clinical settings they were of little value. Also, infected people at home and those in contact with them were advised to use masks. But a number of things changed since then.
Science advances by evidence. It is not about looking into a book that says "masks" or "no masks" and sticking to that. As this was a new virus it took time for evidence to accumulate. Examples, that people who become infected can transmit the virus before they show any symptoms, that people may not show any symptoms at all (or so minimal that they do not realise it) and still be infectious to others - or spread the virus onto surfaces. Evidence that asymtomatic and pre-symtomatic spread were in fact major issues.
Also, there was evidence to show that countries and regions that successfully introduced masks were more successful at controlling the virus.
Also, back at the start masks of any sort were in extremely short supply. There were insufficient even for health workers. A lot of the hesitancy about recommending masks was to try to protect whatever supply there was for the most needy.
Another change? The strict "lockdown" has ended. People are mixing more. Masks are not so relevant when people are largely staying at home and not mixing. They have become a lot more relevant as many more people are out and about pursuing their daily business (and, yes, supporting economic life).
Another change? The role of "risk compensation" has been challenged and largely discredited as far as the virus is concerned. Specifically in regard to Covid, this postulated that because people wearing masks would believe themselves to be safe (protected with a shield) they would pay less attention to, or ignore, other important behaviours - so they would lower their guard as regards hand hygiene, social distancing, cough etiquette, etc. In fact, this has been shown not to be true. People who wear masks are seemingly the ones more likely to stick to the other guidelines.
And if people have no jobs there will be less money. Sounds like a big recession to me.
A recession is probably inevitable. But as the virus is increasing its spread again in several continental regions they are facing full or partial lockdown again. Ignoring the virus will not save us from recession. It will only make it worse.