The pooled results of RCTs did not show a clear reduction in respiratory viral infection with the use of medical/surgical masks.
There were no clear differences between the use of medical/surgical masks compared with N95/P2 respirators in healthcare workers when used in routine care to reduce respiratory viral infection.
Placing randomized trials above other types of research such as observational, lab and modeling studies, has interfered with the COVID response. A randomized trial approach that allows a few studies [78 is not a few?] to cancel out a huge body of research from other disciplines has no basis in science.
+ How effective are N95s (when used correctly)? If they are effective, why do mandates seem to have done about nothing at all? - Or are these 78 RCTs not good evidence?
+ Why is it difficult for an ordinary person to figure this out, 3 years and a massive global effort later?
Do mask mandates work? — Do RCTs?
A 2023 Cochrane review of 78 RCTs found:
Scientific American refuted, with this:
Other small notes:
- succinct general write up;
- disagreement within Cochrane about what their review means.
+ How effective are mask mandates?
+ How effective are N95s (when used correctly)?
If they are effective, why do mandates seem to have done about nothing at all? - Or are these 78 RCTs not good evidence?
+ Why is it difficult for an ordinary person to figure this out, 3 years and a massive global effort later?