COMMENTARY: Masks-for-all for COVID-19 not based on sound data

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-pers...ntary-masks-all-covid-19-not-based-sound-data

COMMENTARY: Masks-for-all for COVID-19 not based on sound data

Filed Under:
COVID-19
Lisa M Brosseau, ScD, and Margaret Sietsema, PhD

|Apr 01, 2020

Dr. Brosseau is a national expert on respiratory protection and infectious diseases and professor (retired), University of Illinois at Chicago.
Dr. Sietsema is also an expert on respiratory protection and an assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
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In response to the stream of misinformation and misunderstanding about the nature and role of masks and respirators as source control or personal protective equipment (PPE), we critically review the topic to inform ongoing COVID-19 decision-making that relies on science-based data and professional expertise.
As noted in a previous commentary, the limited data we have for COVID-19 strongly support the possibility that SARS-CoV-2—the virus that causes COVID-19—is transmitted by inhalation of both droplets and aerosols near the source. It is also likely that people who are pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic throughout the duration of their infection are spreading the disease in this way.
Data lacking to recommend broad mask use

We do not recommend requiring the general public who do not have symptoms of COVID-19-like illness to routinely wear cloth or surgical masks because:

• There is no scientific evidence they are effective in reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission
• Their use may result in those wearing the masks to relax other distancing efforts because they have a sense of protection
• We need to preserve the supply of surgical masks for at-risk healthcare workers....

 

[sharon sanders]

I strongly disagree.

1) SARS-CoV-2 has only been widely known about for 3 months so there are very few peer reviewed studies about SARS-CoV-2. But there are scientific studies that homemade masks can help diminish respiratory spread. "All types of masks reduced aerosol exposure, relatively stable over time, unaffected by duration of wear or type of activity, but with a high degree of individual variation. Personal respirators were more efficient than surgical masks, which were more efficient than home-made masks." link

2) People are smarter than you give them credit for. It is clear that masks will not prevent infections but they help as part of an overall layering of prevention techniques. This can be clearly and routinely explained. Everyone can see that a surgical style homemade mask will have large gaps and this is not anywhere near effective as an N95 respirator.

3) There are no masks for sale. There is no threat of regular people buying masks and, therefore, taking them from health care workers. All mask supply in the world, largely, is now controlled by various governments.

Practical real-life experience in the here and now: