How effective are government general mask mandates?

I bet, they are not very effective, but it is a feel good measure by government! Government paternalism at its worst!

Any mask that does not meet the requirements of medical/surgical masks is dubious! During the current global pandemic most people wore non medical masks. How often were these non-medical masks reused etc. etc.

The individual versus government! When facing an infectious, but not very dangerous disease (like SARS-CoV-2/Covid-19) it should be left to each citizens to decide whether to wear a mask or not. Every citizen then has the choice to protect herself or himself without government coercion. Those individuals more likely than not will opt for a medical mask. Those who are potentially vulnerable to the disease ought to be provided with the best possible medical masks.