> Newer studies have found that even just a thick cotton mask does somewhat protect you No they haven't. If the effect of masks was so strong it would be ea

> Newer studies have found that even just a thick cotton mask does somewhat protect you No they haven't. If the effect of masks was so strong it would be easy to find that when we do trials. We've done the trials and we struggle to see the effect. Once we drop down the quality requirements we start to see an effect, but even that is mild. https://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0140-6736%2820%2931142-9 https://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0140-6736%2820... > Although direct evidence is limited, the optimum use of face masks, in particular N95 or similar respirators in health-care settings and 12–16-layer cotton or surgical masks in the community, could depend on contextual factors; action is needed at all levels to address the paucity of better evidence. Eye protection might provide additional benefits. Globally collaborative and well conducted studies, including randomised trials, of different personal protective strategies are needed regardless of the challenges, but this systematic appraisal of currently best available evidence could be considered to inform interim guidance There's no way to spin phrases like "direct evidence is limited" and "paucity of evidence" to mean "we've got good quality evidence that shows an effect".