Not sure if this has been pointed out before, but I believe there is a symbolic connection between enforced mask wearing and the -non-Buddhist interpretation of "speak no evil."
In the proverbial sense, it stands to represent looking the other way or a lack of moral responsibility of those who choose not to acknowledge impropriety. In the criminal world: Omerta.
Sub-consciously, I believe its a symbolic muzzle to mute voices of opposition. Further, because we wear them over our faces, those not subscribing to the ideology are easily identity. They become heretics to the newfound fanatics. Perhaps destroying religion was so that they could build construct one in its place.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_wise_monkeys