I see what has happened. The CDC is now generalizing the term and calling them all "face coverings". The CDC is the gospel of China Virus and all concerned.
I'll play...
Assuming this is really about keeping those other than the "face covering" wearer safe, the masks provide a somewhat protective shield for your face. A dangling cloth won't do that. Think sneeze or cough.
This nazi like edict will eventually bring on more trouble than is prevents when fines begin to being issued and the local authorities use their discretion to decide who gets the fine and who does not.
The masks or face coverings should be a suggestion not a mandate. You are all about more rules right?