Wake up to what?
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/occult
>adjective:
>of or relating to magic, astrology, or any system claiming use or knowledge of secret or supernatural powers or agencies.
>beyond the range of ordinary knowledge or understanding; mysterious.
It is beyond the range of ordinary knowledge or understanding that masks provide various benefits for health-care workers outside of them being simply physical barriers
eg. placebo effect
"occult" does not immediately mean "bad"… it's the mis-use of hidden powers that's most often defined as occult.