<a class="mention" href="/@sandysmoothie">@sandysmoothie</a>. Thank you for the mask study you cited. I've had a quick perusal through it but haven't had time to ready it carefully. However, please note that other studies have found masks to be ineffective against flu-like virus transmission: <a href='https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/5/19-0994_article'>https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/5/19-0994_article</a>.
Also, it's my understanding that surgeons wear masks to prevent the transmission of bacteria, not viruses, and to protect the surgeon from patient bodily fluids.
As for mask use in Asia, this is perhaps more to do with sociology, hay-fever mitigation and air pollutant reduction, rather than actual prevention of viruses.
<a class="mention" href="/@sandysmoothie">@sandysmoothie</a>. Thank you for the mask study you cited. I've had a quick perusal through it but haven't had time to ready it carefully. However, please note that other studies have found masks to be ineffective against flu-like virus transmission: <a href='https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/5/19-0994_article'>https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/5/19-0994_article</a>.
Also, it's my understanding that surgeons wear masks to prevent the transmission of bacteria, not viruses, and to protect the surgeon from patient bodily fluids.
As for mask use in Asia, this is perhaps more to do with sociology, hay-fever mitigation and air pollutant reduction, rather than actual prevention of viruses.