The Complexity Behind Face Masks

To mask or not to mask?

Understanding the effect of mask wearing on COVID-19 health outcomes, and what are the drivers behind increased mask wearing are critically important questions – at least until we have enough people vaccinated. 

Numerous studies have shown that masks have been associated with a reduction in the infection rate among health care workers in a large hospital network, mask mandates have helped reduce the number of cases in the United States and in Germany, and simulations have shown that wearing a mask can protect against droplet infection by preventing the spread of viral particles even when worn imperfectly. Despite this evidence, there has been strong resistance against mask-wearing.

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