A series of studies, some of them covering viruses other than SARS-CoV-2, yet the findings of all of them are the same – no statistically significant protective effect of face masks, and, in some cases, possibly increased rates of infection (see first study below).<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/article\/us-health-coronavirus-facemasks-idUSKBN27Y1YW<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.acpjournals.org\/doi\/10.7326\/M20-6817<\/a><\/p>\n “…A total of 3030 participants were randomly assigned to the recommendation to wear masks, and 2994 were assigned to control; 4862 completed the study. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 occurred in 42 participants recommended masks (1.8%) and 53 control participants (2.1%). The between-group difference was \u22120.3 percentage point (95% CI, \u22121.2 to 0.4 percentage point;\u00a0P<\/i>\u00a0= 0.38) (odds ratio, 0.82 [CI, 0.54 to 1.23];\u00a0P<\/i> = 0.33). Multiple imputation accounting for loss to follow-up yielded similar results. Although the difference observed was not statistically significant, the 95% CIs are compatible with a 46% reduction to a 23% increase in infection<\/span><\/strong>. The recommendation to wear surgical masks<\/span> to supplement other public health measures did not reduce the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate among wearers<\/span><\/span> by more than 50% in a community with modest infection rates, some degree of social distancing, and uncommon general mask use<\/strong>. The data were compatible with lesser degrees of self-protection.<\/p>\n