gordo
Well-known member
Gordo, the article you reference is from May. They've more recently posted a review from JAMA of the latest science and case studies that show that masks do prevent the spread of COVID19.
"CDC reviewed the latest science and affirms that cloth face coverings are a critical tool in the fight against COVID-19 that could reduce the spread of the disease, particularly when used universally within communities. There is increasing evidence that cloth face coverings help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others."![]()
I would hardly call the anecdotal testimony of two hair dressers in a salon a science-based process for establishing policy.
To be effective, masks need to form an effective barrier against the virus. It does not matter if the virus is Covid19, Seasonal Flu, etc. Viruses have a specific micron size. Face masks are rated (among other things) to be barriers against particle size. E.g. they may be a barrier to dust or bacteria which are relatively large particles but be useless against smaller particles - like viruses.
AFAIK, there are no science-based studies that show consumer grade face masks being an effective barrier to viruses, like Covid 19. That's probably why the CDC initially said there was no need to wear them. And is also likely why the CDC didn't recommend the use of face masks during previous viral epidemics - like last year's seasonal season that killed some 80,000 US residents.
It is also why the quote you selected from JAMA report uses "weasel" words like: "could" and "help". The JAMA reports themselves do not reference science-based studies and make extensive use of another "weasel" word: "may". Weasel words, in legal (and marketing) parlance are used to suggest an affirmation when no affirmation can be made. Further, JAMA also included disclaimers about the validity of their report since it is not science-based and its methodology is severely flawed.
Take a close look at your face mask packaging. Here's one typical as an example (my emphasis):
That disclaimer is to prevent the vendor being sued if someone buys the mask believing that it offered any protection against Covid 19 - because it doesn't. You'll find similar wording on other consumer grade face masks since all manufacturers want to avoid litigation.
If you feel better by wearing a mask, then by all means wear one. Just don't expect it to do anything to protect you or others from the virus.