1/ This review from @cidrap on masks is excellent. They talk through cloth v surgical v N95 masks, give evidence on fit/filtration efficiency, and cite solid data.
I don't agree with their conclusions though.
#COVID19
cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspecti…
I don't agree with their conclusions though.
#COVID19
cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspecti…
2/ They argue against universal masking according to 3 claims (screenshot):
-cloth and surgical masks are not known to reduce population level transmission
-mask wearers will potentially be more risk-taking
-we need to preserve PPE for healthcare workers
-cloth and surgical masks are not known to reduce population level transmission
-mask wearers will potentially be more risk-taking
-we need to preserve PPE for healthcare workers
3/ "There is no scientific evidence they are effective in reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission"
This claim is not data-driven- they conflate the absence of evidence with the evidence of absence. They also cite data showing efficacy of surgical masks right in the article.
This claim is not data-driven- they conflate the absence of evidence with the evidence of absence. They also cite data showing efficacy of surgical masks right in the article.
4/ "Their use may result in those wearing the masks to relax other distancing efforts"
This is also not data driven. The same arguments were made for seatbelts possibly increasing careless driving; studies did not end up supporting this hypothesis. web.stanford.edu/~leinav/pubs/R…
This is also not data driven. The same arguments were made for seatbelts possibly increasing careless driving; studies did not end up supporting this hypothesis. web.stanford.edu/~leinav/pubs/R…
5/ "we need to preserve PPE for healthcare workers"
Sure, obviously this is true. This is not a reason to argue against universal masking-- it is a reason to scale up PPE!
We need to mass-produce a high filtrate, cheap mask for widespread distribution.
Sure, obviously this is true. This is not a reason to argue against universal masking-- it is a reason to scale up PPE!
We need to mass-produce a high filtrate, cheap mask for widespread distribution.
6/ Those arguing against universal masking should really be thinking through ways to make masking better, more efficient, and cheaper.
Right now, we need *every* tool possible to drive transmission down. Throwing out masks as one of those would be a big mistake.
Right now, we need *every* tool possible to drive transmission down. Throwing out masks as one of those would be a big mistake.
7/ And will re-share this study on the potential of using cotton + other materials for a multi-layered effect that has much higher filtration efficay
#covid19
#covid19
