Masks - Do They Work?

 

This is an addendum to my Denial of Reality article and specifically targets one subsection of denial - that of wearing masks to protect against transmissible respiratory disease. I decided to post this page in response to an ignorant comment someone made regarding this topic to highlight the facts. When discussing beliefs, one must be grounded in reality; i.e., he or she needs to rely on facts and not opinions or faith. While it is true that the facts surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve over time, some parts of this conversation have changed little with regard to the facts, and it remains true that mask-wearing is an effective means of reducing the spread and severity of this disease. I shall let the articles and studies speak for themselves:

• Do face masks work? Here are 49 scientific studies that explain why they do
  
  
• Largest study on masks and Covid-19 demonstrates their effectiveness in the real world
  
  
• Largest study of its kind finds face masks reduce COVID-19
  
  
• Effectiveness of public health measures in reducing the incidence of covid-19, SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and covid-19 mortality: systematic review and meta-analysis
  
  
• Long-term population benefits of wearing masks for endemic infections depend on the biology of transmission and immunity
  
  
• Face masks play a crucial role, new COVID research confirms
  
  
• Face masks effectively limit the probability of SARS-CoV-2 transmission
  
  
• Community Use of Masks to Control the Spread of SARS-CoV-2
  
  
• Effectiveness of Face Mask or Respirator Use in Indoor Public Settings for Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 Infection
  
  
• Effectiveness of Mask Wearing to Control Community Spread of SARS-CoV-2
  
  
• Community Use of Masks to Control the Spread of SARS-CoV-2
  
  
• The Effectiveness Of Government Masking Mandates On COVID-19 County-Level Case Incidence Across The United States, 2020

• Mask wearing in community settings reduces SARS-CoV-2 transmission

• Evidence shows that, yes, masks prevent COVID-19 – and surgical masks are the way to go

• UAB study, among others, shows masks are effective in preventing spread of COVID-19

• EPA Researchers Test Effectiveness of Face Masks, Disinfection Methods Against COVID-19

• Surgical masks reduce COVID-19 spread, large-scale study shows

• Masks Are a Proved Way to Defend Yourself from Respiratory Infections

• An evidence review of face masks against COVID-19

As one can clearly see, the overwhelming evidence shows the efficacy of wearing masks and I see no reason whatsoever to change my thoughts on this. If the science demonstrates a marked change at some point in the future (highly doubtful), then I shall edit my statements to reflect such science.