Poking the bear.

in covid •  3 years ago 

image.png

This is what I think about masks, at this moment, given the evidence I have seen.

The evidence on the usefulness of masks in preventing spread and infection is inconclusive. No CRT study provides strong evidence of their effectiveness.

This does not mean they are not effective. It all depends on where you put the burden of proof. Common sense suggests that by disrupting the airflow it should reduce the chance of inhaling the virus in the air. You can blow out a candle at three feet without a mask but not with one. And the intuition likewise supports the idea that cloth masks are much less effective than specially designed medical masks like the KN95.

There is some evidence to suggest that wearing masks can be harmful and some other evidence from "observational" studies to suggest they are very effective (for example the low incidence of routine raspatory illnesses during the pandemic). (Was that because of isolation or distancing, or because of mask wearing?). Also, while it may be true that masks are effective if worn by individuals who do so properly (not under their chins), this does not mean that mask mandates are effective. The link between a mask mandate and effective behaviour has not been shown. Again a burden of proof issue as well as one of values.

Just my two cents.

Authors get paid when people like you upvote their post.
If you enjoyed what you read here, create your account today and start earning FREE STEEM!