6 ms·
A lot of the evidence cited here is of very low quality/interest, such as observational and correlational studies. It does cite the best study we have so far, a
by epups 4y ago
A lot of the evidence cited here is of very low quality/interest, such as observational and correlational studies. It does cite the best study we have so far, a large-scale RCT from Bangladesh:
> A report in Nature explained that researchers running a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of community mask use in Bangladesh “began by developing a strategy to promote mask wearing, with measures such as reminders from health workers in public places. This ultimately tripled mask usage, from only 13% in control villages to 42% in villages where it was encouraged”, and “then compared numbers of COVID-19 cases in control villages and the treatment communities”. They found that the number of infections in mask wearing communities decreased, with a reduction of COVID symptoms using surgical masks to 0.87 times the incidence in unmasked communities, and 0.91 times when using cloth masks.
Unfortunately they have misquoted the numbers here. Surgical masks reduced the prevalence of COVID-like symptoms by 11%, and of actual confirmed COVID cases by 9.5%, while cloth masks did about half as well [0]. So tripling the number of people wearing masks up to about 40% of the population has a very mild effect on COVID spread, and this is before Omicron. I don't think this makes a good case for mask mandates in 2022.
[0] https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abi9069 https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abi9069
- desindol 4y agoStop being a third world country and mandate ffp2/n95 masks if you have a serious outbreak. Stop arguing about cloth or surgical masks that shit was garbage three mutations ago.
- sfusato 4y agoStop mandates. Double/triple/quadruple mask yourself until you feel safe enough.
- desindol 4y agoNo, we have to do what is best for society not your ego.
- spookthesunset 4y agoCovid isn’t the only problem in peoples lives. For many it might not even be the top 10 or even 50. It isn’t society’s problem to protect those who are scared.
- desindol 4y agoMandates are not because of the monster under your bed lol. There is nothing scary about covid anymore we are just mitigating the effect it has on a functioning society. I don't care about you, do whatever you want, but I care about you getting covid when I must cover your on call. The sickness absence rate is sky high and I don’t want to get a heavier workload just because I act responsible and you do not.
- AndrewUnmuted 4y ago
- AndrewUnmuted 4y ago
- EricE 4y ago>I don’t want to get a heavier workload just because I act responsible and you do not. lol - it's a highly contagious airborne virus. It can be carried and spread by animals - you going to get mad at all the animals for not wearing masks too? Pro tip for a happier life - worry about what you can control and not about what others are doing or thinking that might offend you. Not only will you be happier, but so will everyone else around you :)
- desindol 4y ago
- collyw 4y ago
- jamie1np 4y agoThere’s no evidence that doubling masks with a good N95 or equivalent is helpful, and it may even be harmful. More masks means less air is able to flow through the material, so it’s more likely air will leak in from the sides. Tripling and quadrupling will likely exacerbate this with no benefit. The best thing one can do is wear a good mask that fits well.