Unpacking the Mask Debate

Talking Points Memo cites the work of SPH's Margaret Sietsema, PhD '15, MS '11, and Lisa Brosseau, PhD, on the evidence basis for widespread mask usage during the pandemic.

The gist is that there’s little to no scientific evidence that masks are effective for the population at large and that what protection there might be is minimal at best. Additionally, they argue that mask-wearing may create a false sense of security that leads people to relax more effect mitigation strategies like distancing and hand washing. So the net effect of mask-wearing may actually be more infections rather than fewer.

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