05-12-2020, 08:13 PM
No trial can replicate the widespread mask usage that is presently happening in our society. When I went to Ralph's yesterday, there was one person not wearing a mask. I wouldn't have predicted that was even possible. Particularly since the main benefit of surgical masks is to prevent onward transmission rather than protect the wearer, I really doubt any existing RCT can really inform our present situation. And also flu is not coronavirus, limiting the applicability of flu studies.
I think mechanistically, widespread masking is a really good idea and needs to be implemented as a part of any reopening strategy.
I think mechanistically, widespread masking is a really good idea and needs to be implemented as a part of any reopening strategy.