re: GA Covid Thread - 2021

Different study, same group.

This one was focused on household transmission of a variety of respiratory illnesses. A couple of quick takeaways:

quote:

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We estimated that, irrespective of the assumed value for the incubation period (1 or 2 days), the relative reduction in the daily risk of acquiring a respiratory infection associated with adherent mask use (P2 or surgical) was in the range of 60%–80%.

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This is statistically significant. And while there are many variables at play and they warn not to extrapolate these results directly to community-wide use, one could easily conclude that they are, at a minimum, somewhat effective as source control, if nothing else. Even if they don't filter your air breathed in, they definitely catch a significant portion of what an infected person breathes out, thereby reducing the opportunity for transmission to others.

Also of note:

quote:

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In our study, fit testing for P2 masks was not conducted because this is unlikely to be feasible in the general community during a pandemic. As such, we felt it was more appropriate to determine the efficacy of non–fit-tested masks. We found no difference in adherence between P2 and surgical masks, an important finding, as there is a common belief among healthcare workers that P2 masks are less comfortable.

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Again, as a standalone, I don't think mask-wearing is the answer. I DO believe that, in combination with other control measures such as handwashing/sanitizing, social distancing, surface disinfection, etc., that they can absolutely help. The biggest issue I observe when I'm out is how nonchalantly people tend to touch or handle their masks before they have washed or sanitized their hands. The infamous Biden news conference where he pulls his mask down to cough into his hand and then pulls it back up comes to mind. Perhaps the biggest issue is we have a populace that is either too stupid or afflicted with severe ADD to the point they cannot pay attention to what they do with their hands and face during routine activities. I really don't know.