John C. Lyskowski
Jefferson City
Dear Editor:
A recent letter to the editor presented "evidence" that face masks are useless, possibly dangerous. The first reference cited provides the summary that "most studies found little to no evidence for the effectiveness of cloth face masks in the general population, neither as personal protective equipment nor as a source control." If we take it at face value, one has to wonder about the effectiveness of high quality, multi-layered paper masks, medical-grade surgical masks and N-95 masks. The other website mentioned in the previous letter was accessible by the link provided, but I was unable to find the specific article mentioned, which sounded like an opinion piece.
Both of these websites have reputations of providing incorrect information. A recent article summarizes the benefits of cloth masks in decreasing COVID-19 spread and provides guidelines (Emerg Infect Dis. 2020 Oct; 26(10)).
Science is an ever-changing field of knowledge, dealing more with probabilities than absolute facts or truths.
Early in the pandemic, masks for the public were not strongly advised. This position reflected a shortage of quality masks for health care workers and also uncertainty exactly how the virus was transmitted. So what are the current findings and recommendations?
One study from April 8 to May 15, 2020, looked at 15 states and Washington, D.C., which had issued mandatory mask mandates. The study compared rates of infection, before and after the mandates. It concluded, "the estimates suggest that 230,000-450,000 COVID-19 cases may have been averted on the basis of when states passed these mandates" (Emerg Infect Dis. 2020 Oct; 26(10)).
Think about it, only 15 states and only five weeks. A recent review by the Infectious Disease Society of America of available research articles concluded "Overall, based on observational and animal studies, masks appear tobe effective in reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2" [COVID-19] (www.idsociety.org/covid-19-real-time-learning-network/infection-prevention/masks-and-face-coverings-for-the-public/).
Current recommendations by our traditional health policy and guideline leaders such as the CDC, NIH, WHO and Mayo Clinic all support the use of masks for the general public.
Mask-wearing should be accompanied by social distancing and good hand hygiene, and now vaccinations to help truly turn a corner on this worldwide crisis. Controlling the virus is vital to our country's future and our personal freedom.