understanding, trust, and caution
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Robert Engel
I don’t want to argue, but you can believe the CDC about masks or not. I obey our local mask ordinances, but I do not equate a mask with protection. I’ve read a study they estimate 65% effectiveness. What? How exactly do they measure that? ...
I try to keep an open mind about the recommendations, keeping in mind that recommendations change when new information is discovered through evolving understanding based on research.
For example, a recent article in the Wall Street Journal titled "Face Masks Really Do Matter. The Scientific Evidence Is Growing" cites evolving research. A closing comment: "Wearing a mask is one of the most urgent things we can do to get our country under control..." In the absence of vaccines, "...We have masks, we have social distancing, and we have testing. But there's not much more in the toolbox here."
Among other things, the article cites a recent study from Mass General Brigham health care system in Massachusetts, including this: "...results support universal masking as part of a multipronged infection reduction strategy..." The study is titled "Association Between Universal Masking in a Health Care System and SARS-CoV-2 Positivity Among Health Care Workers."
How to measure mask effectiveness? Other research cited in the WSJ article describes methods of testing different types of masks, for example "...using a mannequin's head [and a method that] mechanically simulated a cough." This, of course, makes assumptions based on the most accepted current understanding of transmission.
Facing the unknown, each person, of course, will act based on their current understanding, trust, and caution. Due to caution and my chronic respiratory issues I choose to wear an N95 or better mask/respirator as I consider appropriate. For me, even unquantified but observed effectiveness is sufficient incentive.
I suspect at some point in the future history will provide clarity through hindsight. It is difficult to argue that what we are doing now effective. Reported to date: almost 4 million cases with the trend of over 70,000 new cases per day, over 140,000 deaths in the US, and unknowable long-term health complications for those who have been infected and recovered.
JKJ