Researchers (including a CDC doctor) for a February 2021 article published by the Journal of the American Medical Association reviewed data from 10 previous studies conclude mask wearing substantially reduces spread. They write that wearing a cloth mask can reduce transmission of exhaled droplets from infected wearers into the air by around 50% to 70%. Additionally, masks were shown to help prevent uninfected wearers from inhaling large respiratory droplets. Overall, the authors found mask wearings main benefit is source control, which protects others by reducing the number of respiratory droplets released, rather than respiratory protection, which protects the wearer. Peer reviewed. Universal mask adoption for people when in public is recommended by the authors of the An evidence review of face masks against COVID-19, first published in January by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the U.S. Researchers poured over at least 150 other studies, models and findings to draw their conclusion: The available evidence suggests that near-universal adoption of nonmedical masks when out in public, in combination with complementary public health measures, could successfully reduce virus reproduction levels to below 1, thereby reducing community spread if such measures are sustained. Additionally, they posit that mask wearing mandates could add $1 trillion to the U.S. GDP by preventing business closures. Peer reviewed. A high-speed laser-light video experiment in The New England Journal of Medicine caused oral fluid droplets to appear as flashes in the light. When observed, between 227 and 347 oral fluid droplets flashed when participants said the words stay healthy without a mask. When the same phrase was spoken with a mask, the flash count remained close to background level. Peer reviewed. A June 2020 University of Iowa study published in the Health Affairs medical journal estimated over 200,000 COVID-19 cases were prevented in May after masking was mandated in several states. For this experiment, researchers used data analysis and models to measure community spread before and after a mask mandate was enacted. Data found that within 1-5 days after a mandate was issued, daily case rates dropped nearly one percentage point. Within 21 or more days, they dropped two. Peer reviewed. A symptomatic traveler with a dry cough traveled from Wuhan, China, to Toronto, Canada, while wearing a mask, Canadian Medical Association Journal researchers reported in an April 2020 response to a February 2020 study. None of the 25 passengers considered close contacts aboard the flight contracted the virus. This study indicated that droplet transmission was likely more prevalent than airborne transmission. Peer reviewed. A June 2020 study in medical journal The Lancet reviewed 172 other studies from 16 countries and found that while different masks offer different effectiveness, masks overall result in a large reduction in risk of infection. Peer reviewed. Research in the journal Science addressed one key claim by mask opponents: that masks dont work because they can still let quite a bit of respiratory matter through. The study explains, however, that the amount of particles that can come through a mask are dependent on environment and how infected a certain area is. For example, a highly infected group of individuals in a closed space will result in more particles being present overall, including through a mask. Nevertheless, face masks were found to effectively limit probability of COVID-19 transmission. Peer reviewed. A study published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies found that out of a total of 19 randomized controlled trials of communities, masks were effective even without hand washing. Peer reviewed. Authors of a Science Advances journal study found thatsomemasks particularly neck gaiters could disperse large droplets into smaller, more airborne droplets. However, surgical masks, cotton masks and bandanas were found to cause a reduction in transmission and a significant delay between when they left one persons mouth and when they were detected. Peer reviewed. An article in the medical journal Respirology concluded (based on 10 previous studies and data) says while questions remain, there are a range of reasons to advocate public mask wearing. Authors noted that while masks protect wearers from droplets more than airborne particles, studies of influenza spread show masks are about 40-95% efficient. While they believe more information is still needed, they conclude that although cloth masks are inferior to medical masks, theyre certainly better than no masks at all. Peer reviewed. Models created by the authors of a January 2021 study in the Frontiers in Medicine journal indicated wearing face masks showed favorable outcomes in reducing infection rates. Most importantly, mathematical models indicated a big decrease in mortality when population mask coverage was near-universal. This was true even if mask type were less effective types. Peer reviewed. A November 2020 article published in the Environmental Pollution journal concluded mask wearing is effective at preventing contact, droplet and possibly airborne transmission of COVID-19. Based on their research through review of existing data they urged government officials to further emphasis the importance of masking. Peer reviewed. An October 2020 study in Extreme Mechanics Letters found that cloth face coverings, particularly masks with multiple layers, have over 70% blocking efficiency. Multiple-layered fabric was found to stop droplets with more than 94% efficiency, which is equitable to that of medical masks. Peer reviewed. A scenario in Nature Medicine projected what would happen if each U.S. state implemented and achieved 95% of public mask use this resulted in the lowest projected cumulative death toll. Under this scenario, no states reached daily death rates of eight deaths per million. Other projections found that even if lockdowns/restrictions were not mandated, any additional coverage that can be achieved through mask use will save lives. Peer reviewed. Authors of the How effective is a mask in preventing COVID-19 infection? study published in Medical Devices & Sensors examined transmission of droplets through various masks, ultimately finding that correctly wearing masks despite the varying effectiveness of different types can largely reduce overall risks of infection and boost protection. Peer reviewed.
Consumer-grade masks (cloth, bandana) with modifications can offer protection thats almost the exact same or even better than non-N95 medical masks professionals use. Thats according to the researchers in a December 2020 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Modifications in fit was the main contributor to increased effectiveness, researchers wrote. Peer reviewed.
The Annals of Internal Medicine published a study indicating that while researchers dont have enough data to rule that cloth masks stop transmission of respiratory droplets from coming in through a mask, theres convincing evidence to say that cloth masks do reduce particles from going out of a mask and contaminating air and surfaces. The researchers explain: Every virus-laden particle retained in a mask is not available to hang in the air as an aerosol or fall to a surface to be later picked up by touch.Peer reviewed.
While authors of a December 2020 Eurosurveillance infectious disease journal review of 74 sources decided more data and research is needed, they ultimately estimated face masks to offered up to 15% reduction in disease transmission in their sample pool. Peer reviewed.
The authors of this April 2020 study found that Taiwan recorded only 348 COVID-19 cases at that time, while Singapore recorded 1,114. Only Taiwan encouraged masking at the onset of the pandemic, according to the Emerging Infectious Diseases-published study. While researchers say the reduction was marginal, they believe the reduction could still produce substantial results, especially if implemented early on. Researchers acknowledge limitations to the study, saying a small sample size was used and there was suboptimal adherence to mask wearing among participants. They write: Taiwan had the foresight to create a large stockpile of medical and surgical masks; other countries or regions might now consider doing so as part of future pandemic plans.Peer reviewed.
In a study in Journal of Travel Medicine, published by Oxford University, researchers found that while mask effectiveness varies depending on type and fit, cloth masks were suitable for non-healthcare workers and could prevent transmission of infection, especially during early onset. The authors argue that a model showed that even if face masks are only 20% effective and only 25% of the population used them, infection would be reduced by 30%. Peer reviewed.
A March 2021 study looked at the impact of New York Citys April 2020 executive order mandating mask wearing for all in public. At that time, NYC was the epicenter of infections in the U.S., the study published in Journal of Urban Health explains. Results showed that NYCs mask mandate prevented 99,517 infections and 7,978 COVID-19 deaths. Additionally, researchers say if the order had been implemented just one week earlier than that, 111,475 infections and 9,017 deaths would have been prevented. Peer reviewed.
This Hong Kong study published in The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease laments the lack of support for masking in Western countries, as many Asian countries accept and have normalized mask wearing for decades. The researchers point to a previous study cited to dispute benefits of face masks particularly cloth masks because theyre considered far less effective than surgical masks. The authors argue that while cloth masks are less effective than surgical masks, the difference is about 70% versus 90%, which they say is still a very meaningful benefit. Peer reviewed.
Authors of a December 2020 study published in Future Microbiology felt strongly about their findings on mask fit, which found they significantly reduce particle transmission when worn properly. They write: Quantitative analysis of the most efficient and effective face masks (in terms of both fit and fabric) will undoubtedly help to stem the spread of not just SAR-CoV-2 but also any illness spread through respiratory particles.Peer reviewed.
Researchers in this study of efficacy of different materials used for homemade masks found, as expected, different materials have different capabilities in preventing transmission. The laboratory study was performed in West China Hospital of Sichuan University in Chengdu, China and published in October 2020 by the PLOS One scientific journal community. The lab tested various materials and layering for filtration. The study found that while homemade masks did not meet surgical mask standards, the filtration efficiency and pressure difference inside did. They write: homemade masks using available materials, based on the results of this study, can minimize the chance of infection to the maximum extent.Peer reviewed.
This BMJ-published study from New South Wales, Australia, used simulation scenarios to deduce that when used together, masking, high community testing and contact tracing are effective at controlling COVID-19 transmission. The researchers predictions and models lined up pretty closely with how case numbers played out in New South Wales. Peer reviewed.
Mathematical models were generated based on huge swaths of data for this study published in Nature Communications. These models found: 1) Even limited distribution of masks offering only 25% protection and containment would result in significant drop in death rates, 2) Even if only 10% of people used the masks offering 25% protection, the death rate would drop 5%, 3) If people used homemade masks that offered even 5% protection and containment, death rates would drop from 2.5 to 2.26 percentage points. Places requiring public masking could also expect a 3-5% reduction in deaths, researchers write. Peer reviewed.
In this study published in the European Respiratory Journal, researchers examined information from several countries to determine the differences in spread among those who masked and those who largely didnt. They urge lawmakers and residents to heed mask guidelines, as its a favorable alternative to shutdowns and prolonged social distancing. The authors write: We strongly support the use of cloth masks as a simple, economic and sustainable alternative to surgical masks as a means of source control for general community use, so that disposable surgical masks and N95 respirators can be reserved for use in healthcare facilities.Peer reviewed.
A September 2020 study published by the Association for Psychological Science reviewed several previous studies to determine why many people refuse or resist doing so when, they believe, face masks and social distancing have been proven to help slow disease spread. Researchers of the study, which centered on empathy, reviewed many previous studies to come to the what before examining the why. Peer reviewed.
Using data from 15 previous studies, researchers in this The Lancet-published study write: This study supports universal face mask use, because masks were equally effective in both health-care and community settings when adjusted for type of mask use. While the authors acknowledge that surgical and N95 masks are more effective than cloth masks, data indicate universal mask wearing can reduce the rate of infection, even with moderately effective ones. Additionally, researchers cite data showing mask wearing in Beijing homes prevented secondary transmission, if worn before symptoms appear. Peer reviewed.
The Beijing study cited in #38 was published in May 2020 by BMJ Global Health it followed 335 people in 124 families that had at least one family member with a confirmed COVID-19 case. Authors found that after nearly a month in the same household, face mask use by all parties before symptom development was 79% effective in transmission reduction. Peer reviewed.
This study published in the Emerging Infectious Diseases medical journal concluded that while cloth masks are inferior to surgical masks and shouldnt be used by healthcare workers, they are a suitable option for community use. Fit and material are key, researchers write, indicating that fabrics with high thread count and fine weave should be used in addition to several layers of the material. Peer reviewed.
These New York University Abu Dhabi researchers examined the resistance of mask wearing in Spain during the early stages of the pandemic. Here, while exploring how attitudes and biases affect decisions to wear masks, explain that many still resist despite growing evidence of the effectiveness of face mask use against transmission of respiratory viruses. Based on their research, the authors urged governments to create programs to improve mask-wearing compliance. Peer reviewed.
A Vietnamese study published in the Journal of Community Health this year took a look at mask use among university students. Researchers noted Vietnams strict mitigation polices during the pandemic, especially given its proximity to China, helped keep case numbers low (about 28 cases per 10 million people). Measures including mandatory masking in public places and a monetary fine of about $13 US led to the successful containment of the coronavirus, researchers write. Again, while surgical masking is the preferred method, researchers urge mask use and community education on their importance. Peer reviewed.
This January 2021 study published in Journal of Econometrics used robust models, experiments and data sets to review how further masking during the pandemics onset may have prevented infections and deaths. They conclude that their analysis robustly indicates face mask mandates have reduced the spread of COVID-19. They explain that if all U.S. states had implemented mandatory masking polices on March 14, 2020, the cumulative death toll by the end of May would have been about 19% to 45% smaller or about 19,000 to 47,000 saved lives. Peer reviewed.
Just last month, research published on scholarly site PLOS One examined the substantial decline in new COVID-19 cases when mask mandates began amid a surge in Melbourne, Australia. Using models and logarithm data analysis, its estimated that mask usage in public spaces rose from around 43% to 97% resulting in a plunge in virus reproduction and new cases. The authors say they strongly support mask usage in communities. Peer reviewed.
Of Masks and Methods, published in March in Annals of Internal Medicine, explored how the way masks are worn and implemented affect how effective they are. Researchers examined observational studies and other experiments to conclude that community mask use, especially if widespread, correlates to reduced risk for COVID-19. They write: Across all analyses odds ratios were approximately 0.8, consistent with a 20% reduction in incident SARS-CoV-2 infection if masks are recommended Multiple observational studies have documented an association between mask mandates and reduced COVID-19 incidence.Peer reviewed.
This Irish study appearing in scientific journal publisher MDPI observed the transmission of particles through various mask materials to determine filtration, how porous they were and how much they resist airflow (among other factors). Using mathematical models, statistical data and historical data, they found masks to be an overall effective and necessary tool for the foreseeable future. They explain that as advancements in material occur including many existing antimicrobial fabrics masks will prove even more effective. They write: Current materials used in production including non-woven fibrous substances have been in use since the beginning of the 20th century and have been shown to be still sufficiently viable in their use.Peer reviewed.
A February 2021 study from Ethiopia and published in Risk Management and Healthcare Policy medical journal combed through databases and other COVID-19 writings to conclude that universal face mask use can contribute to community containment if properly used and available as needed. Peer reviewed.
This February 2021 JAMA-published study examined several other studies and created a table of different populations around the globe and how their masking use affected spread. They found: When masks are worn and combined with other recommended mitigation measures, they protect not only the wearer but also the greater community. Further, they explain that as mutations emerge, masking will be even more important. Peer reviewed.
Echoing other findings, the doctor/researcher behind this December 2020 Wisconsin Medical Journal review used over 88 scholarly references to aggregate his ultimate conclusion that the bulk of mask wearing works to control community spread. The author notes that while a mask can only protect wearers from infection to a certain extent, they can help control the viral load theyre exposed to and thus, the severity of their infection. Peer reviewed.
This May 2021 Medical Decision Making analysis used models to test the ability of masks to slow the spread of COVID-19 during an initial outbreak and an insurgence. The authors used over 50 sources to determine that even with moderately effective masking it is evident that mask effectiveness significantly affects transmission. The researchers recommend masking until at least widespread vaccination occurs. Peer reviewed.
Peer-review pending
Researchers in this study carried out several simulations where one infected person was put into a population of other participants who were susceptible. Mask wearing among the uninfected was gradually increased and a striking decrease was seen in the overall number of COVID-19 cases. In addition to several other mask-affirming findings, authors of the study published in the Yale University-BMJ-affiliated health sciences site MedRxiv, write: If all individuals move freely and randomly interact with others (i.e., 0% SD), the rate of daily infection through the population depends on the percentage of individuals wearing masks.
University of North Texas Health Science Center researchers found in this July 2020 study that states with an early mask mandate have been able to protect against the June [2020] surge across the country. Here, researchers reviewed data including number of daily case numbers and transmission rate to determine if local mask mandates affected spread in that state. Observing the four counties in the Dallas-Forth Worth metroplex, researchers found Dallas and Tarrant counties (both had mask mandates) showed a dramatic drop in new cases, hospitalizations and ER visits. The other two counties, Collin and Denton, did not have mask mandates experienced either growth or marginal decrease.
A study from the Population Research Institute at the Family Federation of Finland found that if 80% of people in the U.K. masked, it would do more to squelch the pandemic than a full shutdown.
This Malaysian observational study tracked mask use among patients being admitted into hospitals. They concluded that extensive use of facemasks could help mitigate impact and more work is needed to make sure people are correctly wearing them.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) performed testing of various face masks while effectiveness varied, certain cloth masks were found to be even better than medical-grade masks. All masks were found to be effective at stopping transmission at some level.
A late 2020 study looking at COVID-19 transmission in Georgia school districts found that schools in the state that required masks to be worn had a 37% lower incidence of COVID-19 among teachers and staff than those that didnt. The study, published as part of the CDCs Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, led researchers to recommend mask use for both adults and children during in-person learning.
Researchers at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control found that while mask types offer different degrees of protection and said they think more data is needed, they ultimately recommended mask wearing as a non-pharmaceutical intervention.
This March study included in the CDCs Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report indicates that county-level COVID-19 cases and death rates dropped increasingly in the 20 days following a mask mandate in that county. Mandates were associated with 0.5 percentage rate drops in the first 1-20 days and 1.1-1.8 percentage point drops between 21-100 days. Researchers highly recommended mask mandates in addition to other mitigation efforts following their work.
Do people think that something as weak as proof will get anti-maskers to start wearing masks?
When you don't get into a mindset rationally, you don't usually get out of it rationally.
There should be no reason science believers who got vaccinated should be so against masks. We know now that virus spread of delta is same as if not vaccinated.
And bonus points is that if vaccinated people wear masks, we know dude without a mask is unvaccinated and can shame and ignore them.
But conservative governors told me the science studies show that masks don't work. They even used the word 'empirical,' which I found to be really impressive even if I didn't quite understand what it meant.
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Simple questions deserve long-winded answers that no one will bother to read. https://imgur.com/eW67nT8 - Artwork by Wii_Shaker
There should be no reason science believers who got vaccinated should be so against masks.
As a mask-wearing vaccinated person, you're wrong here.
You're right that there's a huge overlap between people who wore masks, obeyed lockdowns, and got vaccinated as soon as possible. We did our part to help fight the pandemic. It wasn't easy and it lasted a long time. And for a while we thought we could see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Now the delta variant is here and we're being forced into making those same sacrifices again. And again there's a specific group of people who are responsible for bringing it to this point. It is very frustrating that there is no real tangible punishment for these people, and that they're allowed to get away with it while we shoulder the burden.
Spite and envy are very powerful motivators for irrational behavior. I'm a high school teacher. I hate wearing a mask to work every day, cleaning every surface hourly, and motherfucking "distance learning". I don't do those things for any reason other than that I'm told they will keep my kids safe. The thought of going through another whole year of this is maddening, and I'm constantly having to remind myself to do what's right instead of what feels good.
I get that it's a two-pronged battle to convince vaccinated people to hold out a bit longer while trying to convince fuckhead antivaxxers to change their minds. But sometimes it feels like a disproportionate amount of energy is spent on the former.
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Rainbow Dashing: "it's just star wars" AutumnEspirit: *kissu*
As a mask-wearing vaccinated person, you're wrong here.
You're right that there's a huge overlap between people who wore masks, obeyed lockdowns, and got vaccinated as soon as possible. We did our part to help fight the pandemic. It wasn't easy and it lasted a long time. And for a while we thought we could see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Now the delta variant is here and we're being forced into making those same sacrifices again. And again there's a specific group of people who are responsible for bringing it to this point. It is very frustrating that there is no real tangible punishment for these people, and that they're allowed to get away with it while we shoulder the burden.
Spite and envy are very powerful motivators for irrational behavior. I'm a high school teacher. I hate wearing a mask to work every day, cleaning every surface hourly, and motherfucking "distance learning". I don't do those things for any reason other than that I'm told they will keep my kids safe. The thought of going through another whole year of this is maddening, and I'm constantly having to remind myself to do what's right instead of what feels good.
I get that it's a two-pronged battle to convince vaccinated people to hold out a bit longer while trying to convince fuckhead antivaxxers to change their minds. But sometimes it feels like a disproportionate amount of energy is spent on the former.
This is more a philosophical question. Bad things happen and bad men hurt good people. Where is justice?
I'm not looking to argue this. I'm saying that it doesn't feel right that we need to go through all of this again when nothing productive is being done about the party responsible.
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Rainbow Dashing: "it's just star wars" AutumnEspirit: *kissu*
Swine flu was also a huge deal as it mostly effected the people who are the majority of workers being 20-40 years old. It did not have the same response as this however.
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Yeah but those sciencists don't now what what htye're on about! Theyr'e wrong all tbe tie! Follow THE MOeEY PEOPLE! MY HOICE! just look at what REAL PEOPLE are sayign on facebook, actual patriots nto chnese commuinist liars who want to censor tour patriotic rights and freedoms
But the CDC, which I don't trust because government, said I can take them off, so I trust their word. Also, if masks work so well, then why do we need vaccines? And why is there still a virus if we have masks and vaccines? They can't be that helpful! I am very intelligent.
Im sorry youre very sensitive to be told that your feelings are irrelevant compared to the massive pandemic going on
Dude, you need to have an actual rebuttal or just shut up already. People are allowed to complain about covid restrictions while still following them to a T.
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Rainbow Dashing: "it's just star wars" AutumnEspirit: *kissu*
