Masks Are Effective
There are numerous academic and medical studies that indicate how effective masks are at preventing the spread of COVID-19.
- Face masks for COVID pass their largest test yet Nature, 9 September, 2021
- Evidence shows that, yes, masks prevent COVID-19 – and surgical masks are the way to go The Conversation, September 22, 2021
- UAB study, among others, shows masks are effective in preventing spread of COVID-19 University of Alabama at Birmingham, August 18, 2021
- Do face masks work? Here are 49 scientific studies that explain why they do KXAN Austin, August 7, 2021
- Effectiveness of Mask Wearing to Control Community Spread of SARS-CoV-2 JAMA Insights, February 10, 2021
More Research
- An evidence review of face masks against COVID-19, PNAS January 26, 2021
- How effective is a mask in preventing COVID‐19 infection? Medical Devices & Sensors, January 5, 2021
- Face masks: what the data say Nature, 6 October 2020
- Still Confused About Masks? Here's the Science Behind How Face Masks Prevent Coronavirus UC San Francisco, June 26, 2020
Debunking Myths
It's important to rely on scientific evidence and avoid misinformation:
- Safety: Masks don't limit your oxygen or cause CO₂ problems
- Treatments: Beware of unproven treatments like ivermectin or hydroxychloroquine
- Hygiene Theatre: Focus on airborne transmission rather than excessive surface cleaning