Scientists question the effectiveness of masks to protect against COVID-19

A Danish study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine (AIM) claims that surgical masks do not protect against coronavirus. American doctors criticized this conclusion, writes The Hill.

Photo: Shutterstock

The researchers relied on home test results and testimonials from subjects during a period when disease rates in Denmark were low and other infection prevention measures were in place, so its validity has been questioned by many critics.

The subjects were divided into two groups: one of them was asked to put on masks, the other was without them. Of the 4862 study participants in each group, 42 people who wore masks and 53 people who did not became infected with the coronavirus.

Infected persons accounted for 1,8% of those who used masks and 2,1% of the control group. The researchers at the University of Copenhagen conducting the experiment themselves said the results were "inconclusive," but later noted that wearing masks did not appear to reduce infection rates.

On the subject: Conspiracy, microchips, DNA alteration: popular myths about the COVID-19 vaccine

According to The New York Times, the Danish study's findings contradict growing evidence from other studies that wearing a mask is one of the best ways to reduce infections.

Former director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Thomas Frieden criticized the Danish study. In his article on this, he wrote: "While no single strategy can control the pandemic, widespread mask wearing can mitigate the spread of the virus as part of a comprehensive approach."

“The N95 mask is better than a surgical mask. A surgical mask is better than most cloth masks. A sheet mask is better than nothing,” says Frieden.

A recent CDC report found that wearing a mask not only protects against transmission of infection to others, but also keeps the wearer from becoming infected.

In September, CDC Director Robert Redfield told Senators that wearing a mask is guaranteed to provide at least some protection for everyone who wears it.

“We have clear scientific evidence that masks work. I can go even further and say that a face mask is more effective at protecting me from COVID than a COVID vaccine, because getting an immune response from vaccination is 70% of the time, and if I don't get it, the vaccine won't protect me. and the mask will protect,” Redfield explained.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York

On Monday, November 16, National Institutes of Health director Francis Collins called masks "a life-saving medical tool" rather than "an encroachment on your personal freedom." He emphasized the need to remember three W-words: "Wear your mask, Watch your distance, Wash your hands" ("Put on the mask, watch the distance and wash your hands").

Read also on ForumDaily:

Conspiracy, microchips, DNA alteration: popular myths about the COVID-19 vaccine

Elon Musk diagnosed himself with COVID-19 and doubted the accuracy of the tests

Tightening quarantine restrictions: what has changed in each state

COVID-19 Three Vaccine Race: What You Need to Know About Each Drug

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.