The Truth About Face Masks!

To mask or not to mask? Examining scientific data, The New American fact-checks whether or not face coverings or masks are effective at stopping the spread of COVID-19 virus particles.

📊 Studies:
Chughtai AA, Seale H, Macintyre CR. “Effectiveness of cloth masks for protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.”
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2610.200948
“A cluster randomised trial of cloth masks compared with medical masks in healthcare workers”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25903751/
“The Respiratory Protection Effectiveness Clinical Trial (ResPECT)”
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01249625
Xiao J, Shiu E, Gao H, Wong JY, Fong MW, Ryu S, et al.
“Nonpharmaceutical Measures for Pandemic Influenza in Nonhealthcare Settings — Personal Protective and Environmental Measures.” Emerg Infect Dis. 2020;26(5):967-975.
https://dx.doi.org/10.3201/eid2605.190994

📄 Other sources:
“CDC — About face coverings”
“Masks Don’t Work: A Review of Science Relevant to COVID-19 Social Policy”
https://www.rcreader.com/authors/Denis-G.-Rancourt,-PhD