I find naive to think the disease is focused on the election in the United States. What about the Germans, Australians and Norwegians? They are taking precautions because the disease is REAL. Yes, for many it is not an issue but some do die or have significant issues.
As the the number of deaths, this article makes the case that there are over 260,000 more deaths than would be expected in the USA. Granted you could argue that some of the deaths could be caused by fear oF the disease, not the disease itself.
The Toll Since Coronavirus Struck: 266,000 More Deaths Than Normal
https://nyti.ms/3foi8ja
As far as masks go, there is also more avidence about the protection they provide.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02801-8?
The disease is overly politicized. It is REAL, we need to do what we can to protect each other.