A 2023 Cochrane review of 78 RCTs found:
The pooled results of RCTs did not show a clear reduction in respiratory viral infection with the use of medical/surgical masks.
There were no clear differences between the use of medical/surgical masks compared with N95/P2 respirators in healthcare workers when used in routine care to reduce respiratory viral infection.
Scientific American refuted, with this:
Placing randomized trials above other types of research such as observational, lab and modeling studies, has interfered with the COVID response. A randomized trial approach that allows a few studies [78 is not a few?] to cancel out a huge body of research from other disciplines has no basis in science.
Other small notes:
- succinct general write up;
- disagreement within Cochrane about what their review means.
+ How effective are mask mandates?
+ How effective are N95s (when used correctly)?
If they are effective, why do mandates seem to have done about nothing at all? - Or are these 78 RCTs not good evidence?
+ Why is it difficult for an ordinary person to figure this out, 3 years and a massive global effort later?
I understand the frustration! Unfortunately, assessing evidence is more complicated than numbers of studies and pyramids of types. Very briefly, I remember this article being helpful: https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2023/2/22/23609499/masks-covid-coronavirus-cochrane-review-pandemic-science-studies-infection
Great link, helpful indeed, thank you.
(Way better than Scientific American's unnuanced dismissal of RCTs / "hierarchy of evidence" in general.)