Massive randomized study is proof that surgical masks limit coronavirus spread, authors say

[boston bean]

The authors of a study based on an enormous randomized research project in Bangladesh say their results offer the best evidence yet that widespread wearing of surgical masks can limit the spread of the coronavirus in communities.

The preprint paper, which tracked more than 340,000 adults across 600 villages in rural Bangladesh, is by far the largest randomized study on the effectiveness of masks at limiting the spread of coronavirus infections.

Its authors say this provides conclusive, real-world evidence for what laboratory work and other research already strongly suggest: mask-wearing can have a significant impact on limiting the spread of symptomatic covid-19, the disease caused by the virus.

“I think this should basically end any scientific debate about whether masks can be effective in combating covid at the population level,” Jason Abaluck, an economist at Yale who helped lead the study, said in an interview, calling it “a nail in the coffin” of the arguments against masks.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/09/01/masks-study-covid-bangladesh/

Keep this handy for when maskholes are spouting their ignorance.

[SheltieLover]

1. K&R!

[hlthe2b]

2. Especially if you modify your surgical mask as shown below (and better, adding a second mask over)

This is a very easy way to render your surgical mask much more face conforming and thus far more effective. I can't tell you how many people I've taught this simple technique. (no the person below is not me and yes, of course, N95 respirators are fare better)

[crickets]

3. K&R for visibility.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

4. I have never stopped wearing a mask

This study is good news

[IronLionZion]

5. If you can breathe, then it doesn't work

according to maskholes hell bent on being a danger to themselves and others.

[TomCADem]

6. Or, Just Look at Florida versus California. Florida's Vax Rate Is Not Significantly...

...lower then California. In addition, California arguably has denser population centers in its major cities. Yet, Florida currently has a higher rate of infection and death rate then California.

While the Florida's slightly lower vaccination rate could be a cause, you could also point to Florida's opposition to COVID mitigation measures like masks.