It invites rigor in studying mask efficacy. Some studies out there show inconclusive results of mask usage, and this article helps give us an explanation as to

It invites rigor in studying mask efficacy. Some studies out there show inconclusive results of mask usage, and this article helps give us an explanation as to why we might be seeing that. The model shows that in an extremely virus-rich environment masking can be rendered ineffective, but in virus-poor environments, even surgical masks decrease the probability of infection. Researchers need to measure concentration of virus in the environment as well as mask usage to show the efficacy of masks in real world situations.