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Thread: Why masks in the general public DO NOT work.
FACT: ZERO random controlled trials have demonstrated statistically-significant reduction in transmission of viruses by anything LESS than an N95.
FACT: ZERO random controlled trials have demonstrated statistically-significant reduction in transmission of viruses by anything LESS than an N95.
FACT: Anecdotes are NOT data.
FACT: Correlation does not EVER prove causation. HOWEVER, the ABSENCE of correlation is almost-always sufficient evidence that the claimed cause is FALSE. In fact such (e.g. an airtight alibi) is sufficient to acquit you in court.
FACT: Correlation does not EVER prove causation. HOWEVER, the ABSENCE of correlation is almost-always sufficient evidence that the claimed cause is FALSE. In fact such (e.g. an airtight alibi) is sufficient to acquit you in court.
FACT: Proper procedure for DONNING a mask is to (1) wash your hands with soap and water so YOU do not contaminate the inside surface (and immediately infect yourself) Then remove KNOWN CLEAN mask and put it on. Fit-check it if required (e.g. N95s) before potential exposure.
FACT: Proper procedure for DOFFING (removing) a mask is to (1) remove said mask making CERTAIN not to contact your nose, mouth or eyes with your potentially contaminated hands OR the exterior of the mask, THEN IMMEDIATELY WASH YOUR HANDS. The mask MUST be discarded or sterilized
FACT: This is flat-out impossible to perform EITHER of these in the general public. Example: I go into a restaurant with a mask on. I remove it to eat. Wherever I place it is now potentially contaminated. Remember, it has been *CONCENTRATING* whatever is OUTSIDE!
FACT: Now I have contaminated the table (if I put it down) and, if the inside surface contacts the table or any other object, it's now contaminated from the restaurant too. I've just taken a non-infection from OUTSIDE the building and turned it into MULTIPLE infections INSIDE!
FACT: Let's say I have to go use the restroom. I pick up the mask and put it on to go use the bathroom. I may have just infected myself doing so. I then use the restroom and transport an infection IN THE RESTROOM back to the table when I take the mask BACK OFF!
FACT: Neither paper OR cloth masks filter any statistical percentage of particles in EITHER DIRECTION. However, ALL filters by definition concentrate what they filter and when on a moving object (you) transport them.
FACT: This means that if you pass someone who coughs you potentially could have been infected if you have no mask. But if you have a mask on not ONLY may you be infected YOU MAY TAKE THAT VIRUS INTO A RESTAURANT, BAR OR HOME where it can infect a HALF DOZEN or more people!
FACT: On the EVIDENCE this is happening in Sevier County TN. The rate of infection was stable to falling FOR WEEKS. Mask mandate effective July 10th. ON THE 15th, EXACTLY, one average viral period THAT TREND REVERSED.
Conclusion: It would be NICE if masks could and did work in the general public. They don't because they can't. Not only are they statistically ineffective but it is LITERALLY IMPOSSIBLE for the public to follow proper procedure when outside of a controlled environment.
Without following proper procedure, including NEVER reusing a potentially contaminated mask, NEVER donning or doffing without handwashing immediately before or after as required, and NEVER contaminating another surface they INCREASE RATHER THAN DECREASE TRANSMISSION.
