I always took "Telling People They Don’t Need Masks" as there is about to be an immense shortage so known infected and medical staff should be prioritized. If everyone tried to start wearing masks a month ago we wouldn't have /any/ left and we'd probably see a lot more desperate acts around getting them. Not to mention the average person not wearing it properly and not getting proper protection.

Right now there's a huge shortage and we still have a very small number of cases--it's all people stockpiling and using them where it's not as critical.

Like you say, after we can replenish the supply I'm sure it will be more commonplace.