Masks Are a Distraction From the Pandemic Reality

The public assumes that research performed since the beginning of the pandemic supports mask mandates.

Rather, the highest-quality evidence so far is studies like the one published in June in Health Affairs, which found that U.S. states instituting mask mandates had a 2% reduction in growth rates of Covid-19 compared with states without these mandates.

These shifts in trajectory are distinct from the notion that mandating masks will bring the pandemic to an end.

The most reasonable conclusion from the available scientific evidence is that community mask mandates have-at most-a small effect on the course of the pandemic.

Claims that low mask compliance is responsible for rising case counts are also not supported by Gallup data, which show that the percentage of Americans reporting wearing masks has been high and relatively stable since June.

Shifting focus away from mask mandates and toward the reality of respiratory viral spread will free up time and resources to protect the most vulnerable Americans.

Until the reality of viral spread in the U.S.-with or without mask mandates-is accepted, political leaders will continue to feel justified in keeping schools and businesses closed, robbing young people of the opportunity to invest in their futures, and restricting activities that make life worthwhile.
 

https://www.wsj.com/articles/masks-are-a-distraction-from-the-pandemic-reality-11603927026?mod=hp_opin_pos_3