@SORT14 @gator1776 @FresnoGator @BSC911 @GhostOfMatchesMalone
OK, so here's the latest and greatest science. I am removing all personal opinions lest I be accused of being an "internet doctor" or "internet researcher".
There is no evidence masks work, according to the lead author of the most comprehensive mask study done to date. Now, he points out there isn't clear evidence they don't work either, but the point is if you're going to subject/force people to use a remedy that has potential downsides shouldn't the remedy have to prove merit?
The Study:
His comments in an interview:
A no-holds-barred interview with Tom Jefferson
maryannedemasi.substack.com
So after going back to previous viral outbreaks, digging up and reviewing every study they could find (even one that hasn't been published yet)...nothing has shown that masks actually provide any benefit. If this were a condom or a blood pressure drug that showed no benefit after years of research, would we view the issue differently?
DEMASI: They say it’s not to protect themselves, but to protect others, an act of altruism.
JEFFERSON: Ah yes. Wonderful. They get the Albert Schweitzer prize for Humanitarianism. Here’s what I think. Your overnight experts know nothing.
DEMASI (laughs)
JEFFERSON: There is just no evidence that they make any difference. Full stop. My job, our job as a review team, was to look at the evidence, we have done that. Not just for masks. We looked at hand washing, sterilisation, goggles etcetera…
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DEMASI: Your review also showed that n95 masks for healthcare workers did not make much difference.
JEFFERSON: That’s right, it makes no difference – none of it.