Wear the Mask
In June 2020 Proceedings of the Royal Society A published A modelling framework to assess the likely effectiveness of facemasks in combination with ‘lock-down’ in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s researchers note the following observations:
Under certain conditions, when lock-down periods are implemented in combination with 100% facemask use, there is vastly less disease spread, secondary and tertiary waves are flattened and the epidemic is brought under control.
We conclude that facemask use by the public, when used in combination with physical distancing or periods of lock-down, may provide an acceptable way of managing the COVID-19 pandemic and re-opening economic activity.
A key message from our analyses to aid the widespread adoption of facemasks would be: “my mask protects you, your mask protects me”.
In July 2011 Cochrane database of systematic reviews published Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. In regards to masks and transmission of respiratory viruses:
Nine case‐control studies suggested implementing transmission barriers, isolation and hygienic measures are effective at containing respiratory virus epidemics. Surgical masks or N95 respirators were the most consistent and comprehensive supportive measures.
In May 2020 ACS Nano published Aerosol Filtration Efficiency of Common Fabrics Used in Respiratory Cloth Masks, wherein researchers concluded:
Overall, we find that combinations of various commonly available fabrics used in cloth masks can potentially provide significant protection against the transmission of aerosol particles.
The research is only pointing out something that anyone with a lick of common sense understands. Keeping your germs off other people keeps them safe and when they do the same you are made safe. Suggesting otherwise is, at best, the selfish argument of a fool and a coward. Wear the mask. This is not a chore, it is decency.