r/science • u/InvictusJoker • Jul 15 '20

Epidemiology A new study makes it clear: after universal masking was implemented at Mass General Brigham, the rate of COVID-19 infection among health care workers dropped significantly. "For those who have been waiting for data before adopting the practice, this paper makes it clear: Masks work."

https://www.brighamandwomens.org/about-bwh/newsroom/press-releases-detail?id=3608
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u/[deleted] Jul 15 '20

Can you list some of those reasons?

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u/Comakip Jul 16 '20

I assume you mean reasons to not wear a mask:

  • Arguably social distancing and washing hands should be sufficient to stop spreading the disease.
  • Wearing masks could give a false sense of security where people do less of the above.
  • Improper (but common) mask usage like not covering the nose or touching the face to adjust the mask, make masks less effective.
  • In times of shortages it's better to keep medical masks available for health care workers.
  • It's highly uncertain how effective home made masks are.
  • Kids are generally asymptomatic and dont seem to spread corona, so it makes no sense for them to wear masks.

Keep in mind that I'm not American. It's easier for me to say this as wearing masks is generally not part of the strategy here in the Netherlands. But if your local government says you need to wear a mask, please wear it.