If mask are supposed to work then why are cases higher than they were before the mask mandate?

Cases aren’t being accurately counted. The PCR test is as much as 90% inaccurate.

Because the mandates aren't being followed and there are millions of Americans not wearing them.

In countries where everyone did wear them, the numbers dropped nearly to zero.

The comparison you need to make is between the number of cases there is, even with some people flouting the rules, and the number of cases there would be if the virus had been given free rein.

The primary purpose of the masks worn by ordinary citizens is to limit the volume and range of virus-laden droplets expelled by an infected person which, together with social distancing, helps to control the spread of COVID. But that is being undermined by ignorant selfish fückwits who think it is clever to flout the rules.

1. There is no national mask mandate.

2. Trump made it clear he didn't support wearing masks, so millions didn't use them.

3. Many people got together for holiday events, neither distancing nor wearing masks.

Because that's how an epidemic works. It spreads larger, not smaller. And, you statement doesn't at all take into account how many MORE would be infected without masks.

oh goodness, the paperbag wins again.

All these mandate are pointless if nobody will follow them. I don't know why you people keep acting like the thing you never tried is somehow at fault for it not working. 

Because a lot of people were still grouping together in crowds and not wearing them.  And the cold weather increases the spread

Masks work when they are worn. The disease is spreading because people are whiny b!tches. They don't want to be bothered wearing a scrap of material over their mouth and nose. They'd rather continue with more deaths and lockdowns.

people went to superspreader events over the holidays