I don't know if that's enough to explain the hysteria... for example, people have published studies on the effectiveness of handwashing without fearing being attacked on Twitter as agents of misinformation (results are mixed, though generally beneficial, alcohol rubbing seems somewhat less helpful than soap and water, and a good scrubbing is better):

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9250256/

> "To develop clear and simple guidance for the public, further work should focus on identifying the specific times when HH should be performed in different communities and situations. In the meantime, current guidelines should be followed and should be based on evidence summarised here. Resources to support frequent hand washing, if hand washing facilities are available, or alternatively ABHR, should be provided in schools, workplaces, and public spaces and HH should continue to be promoted"

There are some more recent studies (2022) that take a similar evidence-based approach to masking effectiveness, noting for example:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9017682/

> "The author pointed out that with active COVID-19 patients, who may contaminate the environment, a mask will not protect healthcare workers or other people if they are not accompanied by hand hygiene, eye protection, gloves and a gown."

The autopsy of the governmental and medical responses to the pandemic (and the original source of the outbreak) will make for interesting reading for years to come.